2024 marks the 125th Anniversary of the first local elections in Ireland

All of Ireland’s County Councils trace their origins directly or indirectly to the first elections which took place in early April 1899, followed by their first meetings in the same month.  These inaugural Council elections marked advances in Irish democracy under a number of key headings. The franchise was widened beyond the landed gentry to include all householders, and women were afforded voting rights for the first time, albeit in a limited capacity.

In commemoration of this anniversary, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has produced, in conjunction with the Local Government Archivists and Record Managers network (LGARM), a digital exhibition and publication, “125 Years of Local Government in Ireland.”

Building on material produced for a travelling exhibition in 2019, “125 Years of Local Government in Ireland” explores the history of Irish local government, including those pivotal first local elections in 1899, as well as examining some of the important services provided by local councils across the country, and their evolution over the past 125 years.

The exhibition and booklet were announced by Minister of State for Local Government Alan Dillon and LGARM chair Louise Kennedy. The digital exhibition can be viewed here

Limited copies of the physical booklets are available at Kildare County Archives and Local Studies.