It was organised by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and reported a total population of 4,761,865, or a 3.8% increase since the prior 2011 census.

In delivering over two million census forms, enumerators were required to make personal contact with a resident at the property.

[10] The census's results on declining religiosity, the aging population, and rising homelessness all drew attention in Irish media.

[13] While Ireland's population continued to grow in the 2011–2016 period, the decline in growth rates was noted by multiple outlets and the CSO's reporting.

[2][15][16] The local government area with the highest percentage growth rate was Fingal (8.1%), while Dublin city had the largest population increase (+26,942).