With the long-awaited 1926 census due for release early next year, Accredited Genealogists Ireland has issued the first in a series of guides to explain what remains of early Irish censuses and how they can be used for research.
Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI), the sole accrediting body for professional genealogists on the island of Ireland, has published the first in a new series of easy-to-follow guides on Irish census records. The aim is to help family history researchers navigate Ireland’s unique census challenges.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
“Introduction to the Irish census: a guide for family history researchers” outlines the history of Ireland’s censuses from 1813 to 1926, explaining which records survive and where they can be accessed. It also addresses the major losses that make Irish census research unusually difficult, including the destruction of records in the 1922 Public Record Office fire and the deliberate government policy of destroying many earlier census returns.
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Michael Walsh, President of AGI, said:
“Many people don’t realize that Ireland’s census story is largely one of loss, with only the 1901 and 1911 censuses surviving in their entirety. This guide helps researchers understand what records are available and how to make the most of the surviving fragments and complete censuses.”
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The guide includes a detailed timeline showing the status of each census taken between 1813 and 1926. It stresses that while most early records no longer exist, the full 1901 and 1911 censuses remain freely available online through the National Archives of Ireland website here. The guide also draws attention to the 1926 census – the first carried out by the Irish Free State – which is scheduled for public release in April 2026 under the 100-year rule.
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This is the opening instalment in AGI’s planned series on Irish censuses, which will be published in the lead-up to the release of the 1926 records. Future guides will give practical instruction on using the surviving census records for genealogical research.
The new guide is available to download free of charge here.
A F F I L I A T E A D
Who are AGI?
Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) is the accrediting and representative body for professional genealogists on the island of Ireland. Its members, who undertake research for clients worldwide, are recognized as leading experts in the field and contribute widely as advocates, authors, lecturers and media contributors. All adhere to the AGI code of practice. For further information, visit their website accreditedgenealogists.ie.
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