Are the Irish Census Returns helpful in family and genealogical research?

Census Returns 1901 for Collins Family, Woodfield, Clonakilty, Co Cork

The first Census in Ireland took place in 1821, but the early Census Returns were no more than a head count. Soon the government realised the Census’ potential for gathering further information and from 1841 the returns included names, addresses, ages and occupations. Later the person’s place of birth was added, which all provide vital information for anyone doing genealogical and family research.

Unfortunately the Census Returns before 1901 were destroyed by fire in the Public Records Office during the Civil War in 1922. Thankfully those for 1901 and 1911 survived and they are held in the National Archives of Ireland. They can be searched on line at no cost and so are a wonderful tool in building a family tree and getting to know your ancestors. Go to www.nationalarchives.ie

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The Irish Censuses followed the English format, but in 1901 people were asked their religion and in 1911 another question was added which asked wives how long they had been married, the number of children born of the marriage and the number still living at the time the Census was taken. As most births occurred in the home, mortality was very high, and an examination of the census will tell you how child mortality impacted on you family and direct ancestors.

The Census can be used as the first point of call in family research. It should be borne in mind that that the spelling of surnames, and townlands may have changed. Most census enumerators didn’t ‘recognise’ the prefix O in surnames. When I examine my own surname of O’Mahony, for example, I uncover very few of my grandparents, great grandparents or other family connections as they were recorded as – Mahony. It is good practice to keep your initial search broad in order to see more results. This can be narrowed down as you begin to access the desired information. Being familiar with District Electrical Divisions (DED) is very helpful and will assist in narrowing the search. Again a note of caution – towns like Clonakilty, for instance, will have an urban and rural District Electoral Area. The key to success is to be flexible and keep altering your search questions until the desired information is found. Patience is a required virtue for anyone interested in Irish genealogy and family research.