Census 1926 exhibition into its final days in Naas

Musician Cristophe Capwell and Eoghan Burke at the Exhibition | Photo Tony Keane

placeholder image — Musician Cristophe Capwell and Eoghan Burke at the Exhibition | Photo Tony Keane

Admission to the exhibition at Naas Library & Cultural Centre is free

The National Archives' landmark travelling exhibition celebrating the release of the 1926 Census is continuing in Kildare, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into life in Ireland a century ago.

"The Story of Us: Census 1926" is currently on display at Naas Library & Cultural Centre and will remain open until July 28, before continuing its nationwide tour.

The free exhibition explores the lives of people recorded in the first census carried out after the establishment of the Irish Free State. Through original census returns, contemporary documents, photographs and audio-visual displays, it paints a vivid picture of everyday life in 1926.

Visitors can discover stories from towns and villages across Ireland, examining topics including work, family life, language and culture, sport, religion, gender, housing and the social realities of a newly independent nation.

The touring exhibition forms part of a wider public programme organised by the National Archives to mark the historic release of the 1926 Census records. The programme also includes a book, theatre production and a landmark RTÉ documentary.

National Archives Director Orlaith McBride said the exhibition has been made possible through collaboration with local authorities and other partners.

"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," she said.

"The touring exhibition is just one part of our wider public programme, which also includes a book, theatre production and landmark RTÉ documentary."

The exhibition first opened at Dublin Castle in April before travelling to venues in Ireland, the UK and the United States, including London and Boston.

Following its Kildare stop, the exhibition will continue to Waterford, Wexford, Westmeath, the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Donegal later this year.

Admission to the exhibition at Naas Library & Cultural Centre is free, with visitors invited to explore the self-guided experience during normal library opening hours.