The digitised images of the census forms filled in by the Irish public in 1926 are now available on the National Archives Website.
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 have now joined them on the National Archives website.
The National Archives will deliver an extensive programme of public events in the weeks and months ahead, 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 release of the forms, and the associated events, provide fascinating insights into life in Ireland in 1926, following the War of Independence and the Civil War. For many families, this is 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 has published Then and Now: Life in Ireland in 1926 and 2022. This release provides new and unique insights 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 in April, September and November this year.