The 1926 Census was the first taken in the newly established Irish Free State. On 18 April 1926, more than 700,000 forms were completed across 26 counties, documenting the lives of almost three million people.
Speaking about its significance, Dr Milne noted that the census provides crucial insight into early Free State society, including evidence relevant to the debated question of the “Protestant exodus” and the demographic effects of the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic. She also highlighted the value of newly included employment data, which records both occupation and employer—an important new resource for researchers.
The census will be made available online on 18 April 2026, with an official launch event at Dublin Castle. At the event, Orlaith McBride and historian John Gibney will also unveil The Story of Us, an edited collection of essays exploring the census, featuring a chapter by Dr Milne.
The National Archives will follow with an information event on using the census data on 4 June in Dublin.
Dr Milne said the release will be “a wonderful resource for Carlow College history students, as well as for everyone whose family lived in Ireland in the 1920s.”