The Tithe Applotment Books, c.1823 to 1838, and Griffith’s Valuation, 1847 to 1864, are the nearest Irish land records to a census before 1901. The Tithe Books are free to search on the National Archives of Ireland website, and Griffith’s Valuation is on Ask About Ireland.
Last checked: November 2026. Every fact below links to the official page it came from. This page gives no fees or waiting times; follow the links for those.
What are the Tithe Applotment Books?
They record the names of those liable to pay tithes to the local Church of Ireland clergy. Members of all denominations paid, but only on some types of agricultural land. They are free to search on the National Archives of Ireland website, including transcripts with record images. The records for the six counties of Northern Ireland are at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Source: Irish Genealogy: record sources.
What is Griffith's Valuation?
A comprehensive property tax survey, published for different years in each county between 1847 and 1864. Transcripts and record images are at Ask About Ireland, with detailed maps. Irish Genealogy calls it the only comprehensive mid-19th-century census substitute.
What came after Griffith's Valuation?
The revision books held by Tailte Éireann record all changes in the status of each piece of property in Griffith’s Valuation. Many record changes until the 1960s and 1970s, when the property tax was abolished for private householders. Tailte Éireann also holds land registry records and registry of deeds records from 1707.
What about estate records?
Landed estate records are described as one of the richest sources of archival material for local historians. The National Library of Ireland and the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland hold the largest collections from 1700 to 1900 on estate tenants, including rent books and tenant lists. The Landed Estates website covers Munster and Connacht.
Common questions
What years do the Tithe Applotment Books cover? About 1823 to 1838, according to the Irish Genealogy website.
What years does Griffith's Valuation cover? 1847 to 1864, published for different years in each county.
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This page is part of Irish family records by county.