If you’re of Irish descent, you may be interested in resources to help you trace your ancestors. It may feel daunting, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible to discover the stories and characters that make up your Irish family history. Below, we’ll cover five great resources to...
Each of Ireland’s 32 counties has its own unique history, culture and landscape. If you’re interested in researching your Irish roots, learning about the counties can offer fascinating insights into the lives your ancestors may have led. This article will give you a brief overview of each of the counties...
The Irish culture touches everything from our way of life right down to the jewellery we wear. But no piece encapsulates Irish tradition more than the Claddagh ring. This distinctive Irish ring has centuries of history, and men and women all over the world wear it today as a symbol...
Origins of the Most Common Irish Surnames and First Names Irish names and surnames are steeped in our country’s rich tradition and centuries of history. In fact, many of today’s common Irish names have origins in Gaelic, Celtic, or Norse languages. More than a sense of pride, our names give...
Many have heard the name Molly Malone or seen her bronze statue on Grafton Street in Dublin. She represents an old, mysterious story set in Dublin, Ireland, that has firmly cemented itself within the Irish culture. The legend goes that Molly was a beautiful young girl who worked as a...
Northern Ireland (NI) is a relatively small place, but it’s packed with history, culture, and impressive attractions. If you’re planning to travel to NI, or curious about the country and its geography, it’s worth taking a deeper look at the map of Northern Ireland and its sites. This article will...
Uncovering relationships with different ancestors is an exciting process for family history researchers. But, when you take a look at the big picture of your family tree, you may be unsure how some of the connections work. For example, which common ancestor do you and your fourth cousin share? How...
Church records are among the best resources to explore for Irish family history research. They can help Irish families fill in gaps in their lineage, with marriage, burial, and baptism records that date back further than other documents. Before the civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths began in 1864,...
In researching your Irish family history, you’ve likely come across a few interesting placenames for Irish townlands. These are essential for identifying locations in Ireland, a necessary yet sometimes challenging part of tracing your Irish roots. Placenames and townlands are unique to Ireland and Northern Ireland, so learning about them...
Imagine finding one record that took your family tree all the way back to the 1600s. For many families, this can happen with the help of Irish parish records. Long before Ireland mandated the civil registration of births, deaths, and marriages, parishes recorded these and other important events in their...
You’ve traced your ancestry through the generations, and now you’re excited to learn about your Irish heritage. This process is full of fascinating discoveries, but many families encounter roadblocks during the research process. If you’re unsure how to proceed, finding a new source for Irish birth, death, and marriage records...