The National Archives will publish the 1926 census forms on Saturday 18 April 2026.
Census 1926 was the first census of the newly formed Irish Free State. Now, 100 years later, it is time for the forms filled in by our ancestors to be made public.
The CSO is responsible for conducting the Irish census of population. Census forms remain confidential for 100 years, as set out by the Statistics Act, 1993. After this time the National Archives are responsible for maintaining and publishing these historical records. The 1901 and 1911 census forms were previously published by the National Archives, and the 1926 census forms will soon join them on the National Archives website.
The National Archives are planning an extensive programme of public events in the weeks and months after the release of the forms in April, including a wide range of cultural, educational, and creative events. More information is available on their website.
Over the last few years, the National Archives have been working on the mammoth task of digitising the Census 1926 forms. The much-anticipated release will provide fascinating insights into life in Ireland in 1926, following the War of Independence and the Civil War. For many families, this will be the first opportunity to see relatives recorded in the early years of the Irish Free State. Beyond genealogy, the records will support research in social history, economics, public health, housing, education, and language use.
To complement the release of the 1926 census forms by the National Archives, the CSO will publish Then and Now: Life in Ireland in 1926 and 2022 on the week of 20 April. This CSO release is uniquely placed to provide insight on how life in Ireland has changed over the course of almost 100 years in terms of our population, where they live, religion, language, and occupations.
If you are interested in finding more historical Census reports and learning about how the Census and Ireland has evolved over time, please visit the following links:
The next census in Ireland will take place in April and May 2027. This will be the first census to have an online form option. Recruitments for field staff are taking place this year.