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We are Ireland’s institution of memory and preserve the State's records. Is sinne institiúid chuimhne na hÉireann agus caomhnaímid taifead an Stáit.

25/06/2026

The National Archives is delighted to be taking part once again in the fourth annual research showcase presented by the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland, marking the 104th anniversary of the Four Courts Fire and the destruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland.

This public event features fascinating sessions sharing our latest research, new record releases, and innovative approaches to exploring Ireland’s archival heritage.

Find out more about the event here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/research-showcase-building-collections-deepening-connections-tickets-1989913812781

22/06/2026

Did you know that more than 62K people called Meath home in 1926?

Census 1926 offers a fascinating snapshot of life in the county a century ago:
• More than half of Meath's population were male
• Over a third were children under 15
• 65 out of every 10,000 people worked in a pub
• 35% of those employed in farming worked on farms of 100 acres or more.

These regional statistics tell part of the story but, the census records reveal so much more.

The Story of Us exhibition is currently on display at the Mary’s Community Centre, Trimgate St, in Navan. Discover the people behind the numbers and explore what everyday life in Meath was really like 100 years ago.

Visit before 28 June to uncover the county's story before it moves on to its next stop.

🔗https://nationalarchives.ie/engage-and-learn/census-1926-public-programme/the-census-1926-exhibition-tour/

19/06/2026

Following our conversation with Senior Conservator Gretchen Allen at the launch of the 1926 Census in Dublin Castle, we had the opportunity to speak with other members of the team behind this remarkable project.

Archivist Hanne Sheeran shared her thoughts on working with the 1926 Census records and what the collection means to her personally and professionally.

Thanks to the dedication of experts like Hanne and Gretchen, these stories from Ireland's past have been carefully preserved and prepared over many months and are now freely accessible and fully searchable online.

The release of the 1926 Census marks a significant moment in Ireland's history, offering everyone the opportunity to look back and discover what life was like in Ireland 100 years ago.

🔗 Start your free search today: https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-1926-census/

16/06/2026

As the doors close on our exhibition at Dublin Castle, we want to say thank you to everyone who visited us.

Since opening to the public on 18 April, The Story of Us exhibition at The Coach House has welcomed more than 17K visitors, each discovering people, places and stories captured in the 1926 Census.

But this isn't goodbye.

Last weekend we were delighted to open the first of our on the road 1926 Census exhibitions, to Navan, County Meath. It was a particular pleasure to meet Ann Carey, one of our Centenarian Ambassadors, at the launch.

And if you miss us in Dublin, don't worry – we'll be back. The Story of Us returns to Dublin Castle on January 2027, where it will remain until August 2027.

Stay up to date on all exhibition details here:
🔗 https://nationalarchives.ie/engage-and-learn/census-1926-public-programme/the-census-1926-exhibition-tour/

13/06/2026

, we celebrate the birthday of William Butler Yeats, one of Ireland's most celebrated poets.

W.B. Yeats was one of the many well-known figures that appear in the 1926 Census. The household return for 82 Merrion Square South, Dublin, records Yeats living with his family. On the form, he describes his occupation simply as "author". By then, Yeats had already been awarded the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature, yet his contribution to Irish public life extended beyond poetry – he also served as a senator in the Irish Senate from 1922 to 1928.

The census records that Yeats was 60 years and 10 months old in 1926. A small detail in the top right-hand corner of the form reveals that the Garda left the census return at the house with George Yeats – Yeats's wife, born Bertha "Georgie" Yeats. The couple married in 1917, when Yeats was 52 and Georgie was 25.

Nearly a century later, the 1926 Census offers us these remarkable glimpses into the lives behind Ireland's most familiar names, reminding us that history is found not only in great achievements, but also in the details of everyday life.

🔗 Explore the collection: https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-1926-census/

11/06/2026

Following the hugely successful 1926 Census exhibition at Dublin Castle, we're taking the records on the road across Ireland.

The Story of Us Exhibition brings the 1926 Census to life through a curated mix of photographs, audio-visual displays, and the original census records themselves. Discover our shared stories and gain a rare glimpse into what Irish life and culture was really like a century ago.

Starting this weekend in Meath and running until 28 June, the exhibition will travel to locations across the country, including:

📍 Meath (Navan)
📍 Kildare (Naas)
📍 Cork City
📍 Waterford City
📍 Wexford
📍 Westmeath
📍 Kerry (Tralee)
📍 Limerick
📍 Tipperary (Thurles)
📍 Donegal (Letterkenny)
🚜 Plus, we'll be making a special appearance at the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly!

Want to find out when we're visiting near you? Visit our website for full dates, times and venue information:
🔗 https://nationalarchives.ie/engage-and-learn/census-1926-public-programme/the-census-1926-exhibition-tour/

09/06/2026

Last week, the National Archives welcomed more than 200 delegates to Dublin Castle for Exploring the Census 1926, a one-day conference reflecting on the landmark release of the 1926 Census.

Bringing together historians, archivists, genealogists, artists and digital specialists, the programme explored the census from its historical context and digitisation journey to its impact on research, creativity and public engagement.

Our thanks to Minister Patrick O'Donovan for opening the event, to all our speakers and contributors, and to everyone who joined us for a rich and engaging day of discussion and discovery.

🔗https://nationalarchives.ie/engage-and-learn/census-1926-public-programme/exploring-the-1926-census-conference/

08/06/2026

The 1926 Census: The Story of Us exhibition has reached its final week at Dublin Castle! We are delighted to have welcomed 16K visitors since we opened.

The exhibition closes to the public this Sunday 14 June, so make sure to check it out before it’s gone.

Where: The Coach House, Dublin Castle (Ship Street entrance)
Open: Mon-Sun, 10:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free of charge

🔗 https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-1926-census/

04/06/2026

Today, the Exploring The Census 1926 Conference brought together researchers, practitioners, and the wider heritage community to reflect on and celebrate the release of the 1926 Census by the National Archives of Ireland.

We had the pleasure of welcoming the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan TD, alongside Director of the National Archives of Ireland, Orlaith McBride, and many others.

This conference not only marked the significance of the 1926 Census release, but also fostered conversation, collaboration, and new perspectives across the archival, academic, and cultural fields.

🔗https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-1926-census/

29/05/2026

Our Reading Room will be closed to the public on Bank Holiday Monday 1 June and will re-open at 10am on Tuesday 2 June.
___________________________

Beidh ár Seomra Léitheoireachta dúnta don phobal ar Luan an tSaoire Bainc, 1 Meitheamh agus beidh sé ar oscailt arís ag 10rn Dé Máirt, 2 Meitheamh.

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