Census Returns

A census of population was taken every 10 years from 1821 to 1911 in Ireland. There was no census taken in 1921 and the first census carried out following the formation of the state was carried out in 1926. The earliest surviving census covering the whole of Ireland north and south is that of 1901. No census returns survive for 1821-1891 for Waterford only various partial copies for specific families or areas. Census returns for 1901 and 1911 are arranged by district electoral division and street name in urban areas and by townland name in rural areas.

The census returns for 1901 and 1911 for Waterford City and County are available on microfilm in Waterford City Library, Lady Lane, Waterford and also in Waterford County Library.

All thirty-two counties are now available to search online at www.census/nationalarchives.ie

Various partial census returns for Waterford City are available (in book format) in Waterford City Library.