Limerick City and County Council is delighted to host The Story of Us, a major National Archives exhibition exploring life in Ireland almost 100 years ago, which has been officially opened in Limerick as part of a nationwide tour
Developed to accompany the release of the details of 1926 Census, The Story of Us gives visitors an opportunity to step back in time and discover a historical glimpse of what life was like for families, neighbours and communities across Ireland a century ago.
The specially curated exhibition explores life in the newly independent Irish Free State through a fascinating collection of census records, photographs, documents and audio-visual displays. It provides an insight into everyday life in 1926, covering everything from employment, language and religion to sport, entertainment, family life and local communities.
In attendance at the launch last Friday 2nd October, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan TD was delighted to bring this exhibition to Limerick. Limerick is one of 10 Local Authority locations hosting the exhibition as part of its national tour, which also included an appearance at the National Ploughing Championships in September.
For people across Limerick, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore connections with their own families and communities and to gain a deeper understanding of the social, cultural and economic life of the city and county a century ago.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, welcomed the exhibition to the city:
“The Story of Us offers an opportunity to look beyond the history books and into the everyday lives of the people who came before us. Through the details recorded in the 1926 Census, we can begin to understand how people lived at this nascent point in our State’s history, and reflect on how much Ireland has changed in the century since.
"For Limerick, this is an opportunity to rediscover the people and communities who helped shape the city and county we know today. We are delighted that Limerick has been chosen as a host location for this exhibition, providing local access to explore our shared history first-hand.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir at Limerick City and County Council, Cllr. Tom Ruddle, added:
“I am delighted to welcome this Exhibition to Limerick. The release of the 1926 Census has captured the imagination of people across Ireland, and this exhibition brings those records to life. It provides a unique opportunity for people in Limerick and across the country to discover more about the communities, families and everyday experiences that helped shape modern Ireland."
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly said:
“One of the great strengths of the 1926 Census is its ability to turn history into something deeply personal. Behind every census return is a family, a workplace, a street and a community. This exhibition gives people across Limerick an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from, to better understand the lives of previous generations and to celebrate the stories that connect us to our shared past.”
The Story of Us: Census 1926 Exhibition is available for viewing until Friday 16th October 2026 at Istabraq Hall, Limerick City and County Council, Merchants Quay, Limerick, V94 EH90.
Exhibition also includes:
A computer for the public to access the 1926 Census returns through the National Archives online search facility
A video detailing historical film footage from the era.
Some items of the era, from the Limerick City and County Council archival collections
In partnership with the Limerick Civic Trust and their history festival a talk surrounding the Census and 1926 will take place in Istabraq Hall on Wednesday 7th October at 6pm.
Full details available on Limerick.ie.
