A major national and international exhibition
The Story of Us: Independent Ireland and the 1926 Census is a landmark exhibition marking this historic release. It explores the world reflected in the census and reveals what life was like in 1926: in towns and cities, across rural communities and islands, from crowded urban tenements to the mansions of the aristocracy.
Using contemporary documents and photographs, audio‑visual displays, and — at its heart — the census returns themselves, the exhibition presents a vivid portrait of Ireland a century ago. Visitors will encounter stories of work and daily life, language and culture, sport and entertainment, religion, gender, and the social realities of a newly independent state.
National and International Programme
The exhibition forms part of a major public programme presented by the National Archives, with events in Ireland, the UK and the United States.
Orlaith McBride, Director of the National Archives, adds: “We’re grateful for the support of our partners at the National Ploughing Association and in local authorities across Ireland in helping us to bring Census 1926 to life for people through this touring exhibition. The national tour is just one part of our wider public programme, which also includes a book, theatre production and landmark RTÉ documentary.”
National and International Exhibition
- Dublin – Dublin Castle 18 April 2026 – 15 August 2027 (Opens to the public on 19 April. Please note: Dublin Castle will be closed to the public for the EU Presidency from 15 June to end of 2026.)
- London – British Academy 24 April – 15 May 2026
- Boston – Boston College 13 May – 6 September 2026