[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4},["ShallowReactive",2],{"event-plain-first-irish-census-to-record-religious-denominations":3},"The census conducted on April 7, 1861, marked a significant moment in Irish demographic history as it was the first to inquire into religious denominations across the island. The results revealed a population of 5.8 million, a decrease of 11.5% since 1851, largely due to the Great Famine and subsequent emigration. Of this total, approximately 4.5 million identified as Catholic, while Anglicans accounted for just under 700,000, with nearly two-thirds residing in Ulster. This census provided crucial insights into the religious and demographic landscape of Ireland in the mid-19th century, reflecting the profound societal changes of the era.",1789333838015]