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Culture Night at the National Archives
From behind‑the‑scenes conservation demonstrations to hands‑on access in the Reading Room, Culture Night offers a rare chance to experience Ireland’s documentary heritage up close.
The National Archives is delighted to open late on Friday 18 September for Culture Night 2026 from 5pm to 8pm.
Have you been diving into the newly-released 1926 Census? Whether you’ve already uncovered family stories or are just beginning to explore the records, Culture Night is the perfect opportunity to go further.
Across the evening, visitors can browse a replica 1926 Census book, learn how our conservators prepared the original forms for digitisation and speak directly with expert archivists about how to begin or deepen your research.
1926 Census display
This Culture Night, the National Archives invites visitors to view a display of original 1926 Census records — a rare opportunity to see the size, shape and physical format of the forms that captured Ireland’s population a century ago.
The display focuses on selected census pages that illustrate how households recorded their details, offering insight into everyday life in the early years of the State. Visitors will be able to see the physical characteristics of the records and learn more about how the census was compiled and preserved.
The display is open on a drop‑in basis in the front reception area from 4pm to 8pm.
Conserving the Story of Us
This Culture Night, the National Archives invites visitors behind the scenes to discover how Ireland’s documentary heritage is preserved for future generations. Meet our expert conservators and learn about the specialist techniques used to repair, stabilise and protect fragile historical records.
Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to see an original 1926 Census book up close and gain insight into the careful conservation work that ensures these invaluable documents endure.
Talks take place at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm, each lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Reading Room open evening
This Culture Night, the National Archives invites visitors to step inside its Reading Room and discover how to access Ireland’s rich documentary heritage. Visitors can view a selection of historical documents, learn how to obtain a free reader’s ticket and find out how to begin exploring the National Archives’ collections. Staff will also be available to help visitors search the 1926 Census online and answer questions.
The Reading Room is open on a drop‑in basis from 5pm to 8pm.
Michael Collins Diaries Touchscreen
The Michael Collins Diaries 1918–1922 were officially loaned to the National Archives by the Collins family in November 2021. The touchscreen provides visitors with full digital access to the five pocket diaries. Giving visitors the opportunity to follow Collins’ activities across the War of Independence, Treaty negotiations, and Civil War, as well as everyday notes such as appointments and matches.
Each diary has been conserved, digitised and processed so that every page can be viewed safely and in high resolution.
To discover more events happening in the Liberties and Historic Quarter this Culture Night, visit the official Culture Night website.
From behind‑the‑scenes conservation demonstrations to hands‑on access in the Reading Room, Culture Night offers a rare chance to experience Ireland’s documentary heritage up close.