Kilmeena Chapel 1855

Hi,

Thanks for your message.

New parishes were created in Ireland in the 19th century, so this can sometimes make the start date for records appear deceptive. Sometimes earlier records can be found in a neighbouring parish. As there are no records prior to 1870 in Kilmeena, I think that it would definitly be worth your while to check the registers from the neighbouring parishes. The irishtimes website provides a map of Co. Mayo showing all of the parishes in the county. If you click on each parish it gives you an overview of what records are available. This will help you see what parishes surround Kilmeena and what records are available in each. Follow this link:

http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/counties/rcmaps/mayorc.htm

However, it is also important to remember that as the Church of Ireland was the official church of the country at the time, record keeping was difficult for the Catholic Church. Consequently, this means that the records prior to 1870 simply may not exist- however, fingers crossed that you are lucky and that you find them!

Kind regards,

Genealogy Support