Looking For Lahiff/Lahiffe ancestors

Hi Claire,

Thank you for your message.

Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find information without a more specific place of origin. Most Irish record sources- church records, land records, census records- are based on specific locations. Until you know a specific location within Ireland, preferably a parish or placename, it may be difficult to do anything more with these records.

Have you tried looking into Frederick?s army record? Perhaps if you can find this it may mention a more specific placename in Limerick. Check the UK National Archives for more information on these kinds of records:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/

Also, I did a search for Lahiff in Griffith?s Valuation, this is a property valuation survey that was carried out in Ireland 1848-1864. It doesn?t give any genealogical information but at least it will show you in what parishes Lahiff?s were recorded at the time, which may help narrow down your search.:

http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml?action=doNameSearch&Submit.x=-1212&Submit.y=-562&Submit=Submit&familyname=lahiff&firstname=First+Name&baronyname=&countyname=LIMERICK&unionname=&parishname=

The Irish Times also gives a breakdown of households recorded with a specific surname in mid 19th century Ireland:

http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/surname/index.cfm?fuseaction=Go.&Surname=Lahiff&UserID=

Perhaps you could also try looking in civil records. Civil registration only began in 1864, but maybe if Frederick died after this date you may be able to find his death cert which may give you a lead as to where Mary?s place of birth was.Civil records are available from the General Register?s Office in Dublin. Here is their website:

http://www.groireland.ie/research.htm

You can search the indexes to these records online at:

https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1408347

Some other websites that you may find useful are:

The National Archives of Ireland http://www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy1/genealogy-records/introduction/

The National Library of Ireland http://www.nli.ie/en/family-history-introduction.aspx

Familysearch: www.familysearch.org

Genealogy links: http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/limerick/index.html

Limerick City Library: http://www.limerickcity.ie/Library/LocalStudies/

Limerick City Archives: http://www.limerickcity.ie/Archives/

You could also try contacting Limerick Genealogy, however a fee may apply. Here is their email: research@limerickgenealogy.com

Remember to post any new information that you find here, especially in relation to parish of origin. The more information you post, the more likely it is that one of our volunteers will be able to advise or assist you. Also include information concerning which sources you may have already used so others may further your search.

Kind regards,

Genealogy Support