The 1926 Census of Ireland is almost live! However, for those of us with roots in the six counties of Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry and Tyrone), the excitement might be met with a of a “No Results Found” heartbreak.
If you are wondering why your ancestors seem to be missing, here is everything you need to know and how to keep your research moving forward.
One Island, Two Censuses
Following the partition of Ireland and the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, the 1926 Census was managed by two separate authorities.
- The 26 Counties (Republic of Ireland): This census was conducted on 18th April 1926. These are the records that have just been released by the National Archives of Ireland.
- The 6 Counties (Northern Ireland): This census was also conducted in 1926, but the records are held by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).
Because Northern Ireland follows different privacy legislation, their 100-year rule means the Northern 1926 Census isn’t scheduled for release until January 2027.
What to do while you wait for 2027
Just because the census isn’t ready doesn’t mean your research has to stall. PRONI (the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland) has some incredible ‘alternative’ records that can bridge the 1911–1926 gap:
1. The 1939 Register
This is perhaps the closest thing to a census for the mid-20th century. Taken at the start of WWII, it lists names, addresses and most importantly exact dates of birth. It’s an essential tool for identifying family members born after the 1911 Census.
How to Request a 1939 Register Search from PRONI
Because these records are not digitized for public browsing, you have to play “detective” by proxy through the PRONI staff. Here is the process:
Step 1: The Preliminary Search
Before you email PRONI, check the PRONI eCatalogue online. You can often find the Reference Number for the specific district or street. Having this information ready makes your application much more likely to be processed quickly.
Step 2: The Application (FOI Request)
To see a specific entry—especially if you believe it is currently “redacted” (closed)—you must submit a formal request.
- Method: You can email proni@communities-ni.gov.uk.
- What to Include: Clearly state you are looking for an entry in the National Registration National Identity (1939 Register). Provide the full name, address, and date of birth of the person you are searching for.
Step 3: Proving “Open” Status
PRONI will only release information on individuals who are:
- Deceased (and you can provide proof of death).
- Born more than 100 years ago.
2. Valuation Revision Books
These records are a goldmine for tracking a family’s physical presence in a specific townland. PRONI has digitized many of these. They record changes in land tenancy year-by-year. If your ancestor died or moved, you’ll see their name crossed out (usually in purple or red ink) and replaced with the new tenant. Search the Valuation Revision Books here.
3. Street Directories
For those with ancestors in urban areas like Belfast or Derry, street directories (like Lennon Wylie or PRONI’s digital collection) are published almost annually. They are perfect for confirming that a head of household was still at a specific address in 1926. Search Street Directories here.
A Message for 1926 Census Research Tracker Users
If you have been using the 1926 Census Research Tracker for Northern families, don’t worry! Your work hasn’t been in vain.
Simply keep your tracker saved in your Google Drive. You’ve already done the ‘heavy lifting’ by calculating predicted ages and mapping out the children born in the 1910s. When January 2027 rolls around, you will be the most organised researcher in the archives!