1901 Ireland Census – 31 March

The 1901 Ireland census is hugely significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, 1901 Ireland census records are, for most Irish family historians, the earliest Irish census records available, owing to the destruction of almost all 19th Century Ireland census records. Secondly, the 1901 Ireland census is one of only two Ireland censuses whose records can be viewed by the public; the other being the 1911 Ireland census. Our Ireland census records page discusses the reasons behind the paucity of Ireland census returns.

As Ireland was still part of the UK, the 1901 Ireland census was held on the same day as its counterpart in Great Britain. However, it continued to be administered separately from the 1901 census of Great Britain and displayed many distinguishing features.

For Irish family historians, the most helpful feature was the practice of retaining the original householder’s forms (still routinely destroyed elsewhere in the UK). However, in common with all Ireland censuses since the Ireland census of 1851, the most unusual feature was the number of census forms.

Form A – Family Return (Householder’s Form)

Each head of family in Ireland was required to enter the personal details of all who stayed overnight on census night or who returned from work, travelling etc. the next morning (unless already recorded). Unlike the 1841 and 1851 Ireland censuses, the householder did not have to provide information on family members who lived elsewhere or who had died.

The 1901 Ireland census questions were broadly aligned with those of the 1901 Great Britain census but, as usual, there were a few extra questions relating to religion, education, and the Irish language (although a similar language question was now included in Scotland and Wales). The question regarding religion was voluntary.

Form B1 – House and Building Return (Enumerator’s Buildings Survey)

This was a property survey carried out by the enumerator whilst distributing the householder’s schedules. Form B cross referenced Form A so we can identify each householder and learn about their living conditions and social status; a huge bonus for researchers of Irish family history.

Form B2 – Out-Offices and Farm-Steadings

This was an additional buildings survey that collected the numbers, if any, of out-buildings belonging to each householder. The householder is, again, identifiable.

Form B3 – Ship Return

This was a head count only, completed by the enumerator, of those on board shipping vessels on census night. As no personal details were recorded, it is of little interest to family historians.

Form C – ‘Return of the Sick’ (householder’s form)

This Sickness Form, first used for the 1851 Ireland census, needed to be completed by the householder if a family member was sick. The form asked for details of the sick person, including a description of their illness, how long afflicted, and whether it impacted their usual occupation.

Form D – ‘Return of Lunatics and Idiots’ (non-institutionalised)

Another form carried forward from 1851. This time the enumerator was responsible for entering details of any person ‘afflicted with insanity or idiotcy[sic]’ who was not in a hospital, asylum, workhouse or prison.

Forms E, F, G, H, I, K, L1 – 4

The range of institutional forms were virtually the same as those used for the 1851 census; workhouses (E), hospitals (F), various educational establishments (G and also, Form L which was now split into L1, L2, L3, L4), barracks (H), lunatic asylums (I), and prisons (K). The heads of these institutions were responsible for entering the personal details of all their occupants but they rarely entered full names.

Other miscellaneous enumerator’s forms

The remaining forms, of which there were many, all required completion by the enumerator. However, the personal information they recorded (if any) was limited.

Forms M1, M2 and M3 dealt with agricultural holdings. Form M1 recorded the name of the landowner, Form M2 did not record any personal information, whilst Form M3 recorded the name and address of the landowner but was only applicable for multiple farms (or where one farm straddling two townlands).

Form N was the ‘enumerator’s abstract’ (i.e. summary). This form often appears on family history search sites (most notably the National Archives Ireland) and identifies the householder by cross referencing with the House and Buildings Return (B1).

Administration

This had barely altered since the whole system was reformed in the 1841 Ireland census. Census Commissioners oversaw the whole process and enumerators continued to be drawn from either the Police or the Constabulary.

Population – 4,458,775

As discussed in our 1851 Ireland census page, the population of Ireland had suffered catastrophic decline in the mid-19th Century. By 1901, the population decline was much less pronounced; down just over 5% from the 1891 Ireland census. To put this into context, the population decline between the Ireland censuses of 1881 and 1891 was just over 9%.