Find your ancestors in Irish Census Records
Censuses are the main starting point for anyone tracing their family history. Unfortunately, only fragments survive for Ireland’s earliest censuses, but there are two censuses that survive in full from 1901 and 1911, held by The National Archives of Ireland. Findmypast also offers a great range of detailed land and census substitute records to help you trace your Irish relatives.
The first full population census of Ireland took place in 1821. The vast majority of Ireland’s nineteenth century census records were destroyed in a fire at The Public Records Office of Ireland in 1922. Some were also pulped due to paper shortages. Learn exactly what was lost, what survived and the other great substitute records you can use on our Ashes to Archives page.
When tracing your ancestors in early twentieth century Ireland, the best place to start is the 1901 and 1911 Census. These records contain household information from all 32 counties of Ireland and provide a fascinating glimpse into the country at the time. They are held by The National Archives of Ireland and are available to search and view for free online
Irish Census Records on Findmypast
Findmypast has a comprehensive collection of early Irish census records and substitute records to explore
Over 400,000 surviving fragments from Ireland’s nineteenth century censuses are free to search and view on Findmypast in Ireland Census 1821-1851. Also available are Ireland Census Search Forms 1841 & 1851 which were used to verify the ages of people applying for an old age pensions in 1909 and contain extra information on your Irish family.
You’ll find some of the best Irish census substitute records on Findmypast too. Griffith's Valuation 1847-1864 is the most comprehensive and widely used land record from nineteenth century Ireland. It records nearly 3 million names and land plots from all 32 counties of Ireland. Exclusive to Findmypast, the Landed Estates Court Rentals 1850-1885 list over 500,000 tenants across Ireland and includes maps as well as excellent family history information.