The National Archives develops curriculum‑aligned learning resources in partnership with the Department of Education, supporting teachers and students in exploring Ireland’s documentary heritage through original records. These resources provide clear historical context, guided activities, and digitised archival material that can be used in classrooms across the country.
Anglo‑Irish Treaty, 1921
Our learning resource on the Anglo‑Irish Treaty of 1921 introduces students to one of the most significant moments in modern Irish history. Using original documents from the National Archives, it guides learners through the negotiations, the key figures involved, and the political context that shaped the Treaty debates. Activities and classroom materials help students analyse primary sources and understand the impact of the Treaty on the development of the State.
1926 Census Learning Resource
A new learning resource on the 1926 Census will be launched shortly, developed in collaboration with the Department of Education. This resource introduces students to the first census of the independent Irish State, using digitised records and classroom‑ready activities to explore themes such as family life, work, language, migration, and social change.
The resource will help teachers guide students in reading census forms, understanding demographic patterns, and analysing how everyday life in 1926 compares with today. It will also highlight the conservation and digitisation work that made the census available online.
Bringing Ireland’s records into the classroom
These learning resources are part of a wider initiative to make archival material accessible and engaging for students. By combining original documents with clear interpretive guidance, they support inquiry‑based learning and help students develop skills in critical thinking, historical analysis, and evidence‑based interpretation.
More resources will be added over time as additional collections are digitised and prepared for educational use.