Do you have Irish ancestors?
Do you have Irish ancestors?
Embedded Files
Sat 9th May 2026, 10:00 -16:00 Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
If you have Irish ancestors, then please stop spending hours chasing hints on genealogy sites that never lead anywhere. Instead, start reading The Irish Family Genealogist. It’s the free weekly email that answers real Irish ancestry questions and helps you find what the big sites overlook. Tap below to join over 61,300 people discovering the truth about their Irish family history each Thursday.
A mini guide to the 1926 Irish Census
Where can I find the 1926 Irish Census online?
The census is available online now here
Do I need to pay?
No it’s entirely free
What do I get for free?
You’re able to search the 1926 Irish Census and also able to view and download digitised copies of the original census records for your ancestors.
Tell me about the records
The 1926 Irish Census records contain the details of 2.9 million people as recorded on the night of Sunday 18th April 1926.
The digitised records that you are able to view today are that of the householder schedules (Form A1). This means that you will see the original handwritten forms as completed by your ancestor. You may even get to see the signature of the ancestor completing the form.
Plus, don’t forget to download the House and Building Return Form B. You may need to work through several Form B pages before you locate your ancestor (only the name of the head of the household will be noted). But you will find further details about the address and the number of rooms inhabited by the family home.
Which parts of Ireland are included/not included?
The 1926 Irish Census covers the parts of Ireland now known as the Republic of Ireland. In 1926 it was known as the Irish Free State – after the partition of Ireland into the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland in 1922.
What is especially interesting about the 1926 Irish Census?
The names of family members in institutions (such as religious institutions, prisons, hospitals etc) are recorded in full, not just initials.
The duration – in years and months – of the present marriage, for married women is recorded.
Information is recorded for children as to whether both their parents were living, or one or both deceased.
The employer business name is recorded for your ancestor – for instance enabling you to learn the company they work for.
Data was also collected with reference to the speaking of the Irish language and religion or religious denomination too.
How can I find out more about the 1926 Irish Census
In the May and June issues of Family Tree, Frances Daly has written articles on life in Ireland at the time and has investigated the Irish census statistical reports to understand a broader picture of the population.
Further information about the Irish 1926 Census and other Irish records are available from
Family Tree at the following web page:-
Irish genealogy: an in-depth guide to tracing your Irish roots
Google Sites
Report abuse