To help you reconnect and discover more about your Irish family history, we bring you a selection of insights to cover every stage of your quest in response to your most frequently asked questions.
IRISH GENEALOGY – FIRST STEPS
FAQ #1 Where do I begin researching my Irish ancestry?
When you have little more to go on than an Irish surname or a vague record, here's how to begin the reconnection process:
See also
FAQ #2 How do I find where my ancestors came from in Ireland?
Navigating Irish records can be confusing, especially from a distance. IrelandXO is here to bridge the gap, connecting you to local volunteers with on-the-ground knowledge. To get the most out of this service see:
We also offer some excellent blog guides to help you find your way:
- Pronouncing Irish Placenames
- Finding & Navigating Old Irish Maps
- How to locate your Parish of Origin
FAQ #3 What are the best genealogy sites for Ireland?
See also
EXPLORING IRISH RECORDS
FAQ #4 How do I find my ancestor in Irish records?
Spelling variations can be a huge hurdle in Irish name searches, as can nicknames and aliases. These unique insights on names will prove invaluable as you go.
FAQ #5 Where can I research Irish births, deaths & marriages online?
Before you get started, know that prior to 1864, church records are virtually the only direct source of vital records in Ireland.
- Ten FAQs about Irish Marriage Records
- Researching Irish Burial & Death Records
- 10 Facts about Irish Gravestone Research
- Irish Civil Records Online
- Irish Newspaper Resources
FAQ #6 What Census records are available for Ireland?
Sadly most of Ireland's earlier census records were destroyed in the Public Records Office fire of 1922. Here we include the earliest surviving Census Records for Ireland and their substitutes:
- Researching the Irish Census of 1901 & 1911
- Griffith's Valuation & Cancellation Books
- Flaxgrowers List of 1796
- 8 FAQs about Irish Freeholder Lists
IRISH GENEALOGY – NEXT LEVEL
FAQ #7 What Irish records can I search for free?
Ireland has become a world leader in the provision of online genealogical records and a large majority of the most important Irish record transcripts are FREE to access.
FAQ #8 How do I research Ancestors who left before the Great Famine?
FAQ #9 Can Irish naming patterns help me get back a generation?
TROUBLESHOOTING
FAQ #10 I can't find my ancestor's name... help?
FAQ #11 I've hit a brick wall in my research what can I do?
Our local volunteers may have the answer. Post your query to our IrelandXO Message Board.
You can also share what you know about your ancestor to our roll-call to make them discoverable by other and local volunteers:
- Feature your Paternal Ancestor
- Feature your Maternal Ancestor
FAQ #12 How do I find my Irish ancestors for free?
1. Browse our Irish Ancestor Database, and
2. Share what you know so far about your Irish ancestor here...
We hope you have found the information we have shared helpful. While you are here, we have a small favour to ask. Ireland Reaching Out is a non-profit organisation that relies on public funding and donations to ensure a completely free family history advisory service to anyone of Irish heritage who needs help connecting with their Irish place of origin. If you would like to support our mission, please click on the donate button and make a contribution. Any amount, big or small, is appreciated and makes a difference.