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.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, notes: “The census is the story of us, and it’s really important to us that as many people as possible can engage with our shared history. This extensive public programme will ensure the stories, data, and human connections revealed by the census reach every community in Ireland and our diaspora worldwide.”
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.”
Exhibition Venues & Dates
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
Irish Touring Exhibition 2026
- Meath – Saint Mary’s Community Centre, Navan 12 June – 2 July 2026
- Kildare – Naas Library & Cultural Centre 4 – 28 July 2026
- Cork – St. Peter’s, Cork 7 – 27 July 2026
- Waterford – Central Library, Waterford City 1 – 20 August 2026
- Wexford – Wexford County Council, County Hall 3 – 22 August 2026
- Westmeath – Westmeath County Council Buildings 24 August – 5 September 2026
- National Ploughing Championships – Screggan, Co. Offaly 15 – 17 September 2026
- Kerry – Kerry County Library, Tralee 1 – 17 October 2026
- Limerick – Civic Offices, Merchants Quay 2 – 16 October 2026
- Tipperary – Source Arts Centre, Thurles 2 – 21 November 2026
- Donegal – Donegal County Museum, Letterkenny 25 November – 20 December 2026