How do I start my search?
You can begin by entering as much information as you know for example a surname, first name, townland, street, or county. Even a simple name search will return results, and you can then narrow them down using the filters on the left-hand side of the page. Most users will find their first results quickly, and the filters make it easy to move from a broad search to a focused list of likely matches.
Why am I seeing so many results?
A wide search (for example, a common name or a search without a location) may return many results. This is normal. You can refine your results using the filters on the left-hand side, such as townland or street, District Electoral Division (DED) or age. Applying even one or two filters will usually narrow the list significantly.
You can also use the Sort by option to organise your results alphabetically, which can make it easier to scan for the entry you need.
What will I see when I do a search?
When you run a search, you’ll see a list of results that match the information you entered. If your search is broad, you may see many results at first. You can then use the filters on the left-hand side to refine your search by criteria such as:
- Townland or street
- District Electoral Division (DED)
- County
You can also use the Sort by option to arrange your results alphabetically, helping you scan the list more easily. As you apply filters or sorting options, the results update instantly.
Can I search for people in institutions (hospitals, barracks, schools, etc.)?
Yes. People living in institutions on census night were recorded on special institutional forms. These will be searchable in the same way as household returns.
We have mapped all known institutions and linked them to the correct townlands and DEDs, making them discoverable through name search, institution name, or location filters.
Is the 1926 Census free to access?
Yes. The 1926 Census is freely available online through the National Archives of Ireland website. Digital images of the original returns are available alongside searchable transcripts.
Can I view the original 1926 Census documents?
No. The original 1926 Census returns are extremely fragile, and the National Archives has undertaken extensive preservation and digitisation work to ensure they can be protected for future generations. For this reason, the original paper documents are not available for public consultation.
All users will access the census through the high‑quality digital images available on the National Archives website.
Will the 1926 Census be updated over time?
Yes. The National Archives will continue to refine and enhance the 1926 Census dataset over the coming year. Some updates require careful checking or manual transcription, so improvements will be released in planned phases. This phased approach ensures that updates are applied consistently across the entire collection and that the remaining transcription and quality‑checking work can be completed efficiently.
All census forms are now digitised and searchable by name or place, and the website includes a wide range of resources to help you explore the 1926 Census and its historical context.
What should I do if I spot an error in the 1926 Census?
The 1926 Census is being released in carefully planned phases, and work to check, refine, and complete the remaining data is ongoing. As part of this process, the National Archives is carrying out a structured programme of updates to ensure that improvements are applied consistently across the entire dataset.
If you notice a possible transcription error, you can let us know through the Contact Us | The National Archives of Ireland form on our website. Please select the category “Census 1926 – Transcription” and include the county, DED, townland, and the type of error you believe you’ve found (for example, a misspelt name or an incorrect age). This information helps us review and address issues as efficiently as possible.
You can read more about the phased release of Census 1926 information here: Phased release of Census 1926 information – National Archives.
How can I get a copy, digital or printed, of the original 1926 Census form completed by the householder?
High‑quality colour PDFs of the original 1926 Census household forms are available free of charge on our website. You can download and print these PDFs yourself, and they contain the full manuscript exactly as it appears in the digitised record. No one should ever charge you for access to these forms.
If you wish to reuse census material, please see our guidance on permissions and reuse.
The National Archives does not produce or sell separate copies of the original forms, but the downloadable PDFs provide complete access to the original documents.
What are Nil Returns?
Nil Returns are entries recorded for locations where no households were present on census night. They confirm that an area was visited and enumerated, even if uninhabited. Nil Returns help distinguish between missing records and genuine absence of population.
A downloadable CSV file of Nil Returns will be available for researchers in coming weeks.