1926 Irish Census released

Taoiseach Micheál Martin hailed the initiative, stating that it allows citizens to 'step back in time' and discover the stories of their ancestors.

The records reveal surprising findings, including the fact that only 1% of returns were completed in Irish and a high number of centenarians were nuns.

The census also documents now-extinct professions such as lamplighters and umbrella fixers, providing a detailed snapshot of a rapidly changing society.

To mark the release, the National Archives has appointed 48 'Centenarian Ambassadors' to share their reflections on the past century.