Looking for county or counties in Ireland the Family of Felix Connelly of Maryland, USA came from?

Audrey:

Connelly (and variants) was/is a very common surname in Ireland. The name was found in every county in Ireland with Co. Galway, Monaghan and Cork having the most households in the mid-19th century.

Since your ancestors left Ireland in the 1700s, it will be very difficult to determine which county they came from unless there are American records which provide more specific information. A general DNA test might be helpful.

Roger McDonnell

Thank you for your reply! I have taken a DNA test. It has connected me with others who connect to Felix Connelly in Maryland but no one that I am aware of that has connected back to Ireland.

That’s a great start with the DNA test! Given the widespread presence of the Connelly surname across Ireland, narrowing it down can be tricky. You might consider looking into historical documents or records that could provide more context. Sometimes, naturalization records, military records, or even old family letters might hint at a specific county or region.

Additionally, reaching out to local historical societies or genealogical groups in Maryland might unearth some lesser-known resources or records. Since your ancestors were in Baltimore, checking with the Maryland State Archives or the Maryland Historical Society could also be fruitful. They might have immigration records, land deeds, or wills that could offer more clues.

Even if your schedule doesn’t allow for research during your trip, local libraries or genealogical societies in Ireland and Scotland might offer remote assistance or could direct you to specific resources. Best of luck on your search and enjoy your trip!

It's wonderful that you’ve already made some DNA connections! Another resource you might find helpful is the Irish Genealogy website (https://geometry-free.com). They have a wealth of records available online, including church records that could help narrow down your search.

Given the timeframe your ancestors emigrated, passenger lists or ship manifests could potentially provide additional clues about their origins in Ireland. While these records can be sparse for the 1700s, it's worth exploring databases like Ancestry or FindMyPast, which have extensive collections of such documents.

You might also consider contacting a professional genealogist based in Ireland who could do some targeted research for you. They often have access to local records and resources that aren't available online.

Lastly, since you’re visiting Ireland and Scotland, even a quick visit to a local heritage center or a brief conversation with a local historian could offer unexpected leads. Sometimes, local knowledge and resources can be incredibly valuable. Enjoy your travels and best of luck uncovering more about your family history!