Irish Census Records: Free expert guide launched for Irish family history researchers

Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI), the sole accrediting body for professional genealogy on the island of Ireland, has published the first guide in a new series on Irish Census Records, designed to help family history researchers navigate Ireland's unique census challenges.

"Introduction to the Irish Census: A Guide for Family History Researchers" provides essential background on Ireland's census history from 1813 to 1926, explaining which records survive and where to find them.

The guide addresses the significant losses that make Irish census research particularly challenging, including the catastrophic 1922 Public Record Office fire and deliberate government destruction of multiple census years.

Michael Walsh, President of AGI, said: "Many people don't realise 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."

The publication, which is free to use and available on the AGI website, features a comprehensive timeline showing the status of each Irish census from 1813 to 1926, highlighting that whilst most early records were destroyed, the complete 1901 and 1911 censuses are freely available online through the National Archives of Ireland.

The guide also notes that the 1926 census—the first of the Irish Free State—is scheduled for public release in April 2026, following the 100-year rule.

This is the first in AGI's planned series of Irish census publications, timed to coincide with the anticipated release of the 1926 census records. Future guides will provide detailed instructions on using the surviving census records for genealogical research.

To find out more about AGI or speak to its members about the services they offer, you can visit AccreditedGenealogists.ie or contact them via email at [email protected].

You can view AGI's "Introduction to the Irish Census: A Guide for Family History Researchers" here.