New educational resources bring 1926 Census to Irish classrooms
Minister Patrick O’Donovan has unveiled a comprehensive digital learning pack designed to help students explore the foundation of the Irish Free State. This initiative provides classrooms nationwide with unique access to digitised records from the historic 1926 Census.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
A transformative new educational programme has been launched to bring the 1926 Census into classrooms across Ireland, offering students a direct link to the formative years of the state. Developed by the National Archives in collaboration with the Department of Education and Youth, the initiative provides a wealth of digitised records, lesson plans, and case studies tailored for primary and post-primary students. These materials are designed to enhance historical research skills, foster critical thinking, and encourage a deeper engagement with the lives of the people who shaped modern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch in Newcastle West, Minister Patrick O’Donovan emphasised that the census serves as a vital national asset, reflecting the stories of families and communities during the early years of independence. Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the resource provides an extraordinary window into our past, allowing young people to interpret historical documents while developing essential analytical capabilities. The pack includes structured activities that support students in distinguishing between primary and secondary sources, ensuring that history feels local, immediate, and relevant.
This educational offering forms part of a broader public engagement campaign led by the National Archives, which has included international exhibitions, theatre productions, and documentary series. Teachers and students can access the full suite of lesson plans and supporting materials through the official National Archives website. By integrating these authentic documents into the curriculum, the programme aims to inspire a new generation to explore the narrative of the Irish Free State with curiosity and imagination.
Speaking at the launch in Newcastle West, Minister Patrick O’Donovan emphasised that the census serves as a vital national asset, reflecting the stories of families and communities during the early years of independence. Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the resource provides an extraordinary window into our past, allowing young people to interpret historical documents while developing essential analytical capabilities. The pack includes structured activities that support students in distinguishing between primary and secondary sources, ensuring that history feels local, immediate, and relevant.
This educational offering forms part of a broader public engagement campaign led by the National Archives, which has included international exhibitions, theatre productions, and documentary series. Teachers and students can access the full suite of lesson plans and supporting materials through the official National Archives website. By integrating these authentic documents into the curriculum, the programme aims to inspire a new generation to explore the narrative of the Irish Free State with curiosity and imagination.
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