1926 Irish Census records released

Taoiseach Micheál Martin hailed the release as a landmark moment that allows the public to 'step back in time' and explore their family histories.

The data reveals a snapshot of a very different Ireland, including professions that are now nearly extinct and a population still recovering from the Civil War.

Only 1% of the returns were completed in the Irish language, a finding that has surprised some historians.

To mark the occasion, 48 'Centenarian Ambassadors' have been appointed to share their reflections on the past century of Irish history.