All Posts

You can get a head start by gathering the information that will help you locate your Irish ancestors quickly once the census becomes available. Before the release, make sure you know: The townland , street , or urban district  where your family lived Their civil parish  and DED (District Electoral Division) Occupations and employers Approximate ages in 1926 Any major family events between 1911 and 1926 If you’re unsure of a location, use: 1901/1911 Census returns Birth, marri

Filling the 15‑year gap Between 1911 and 1926, Ireland experienced: World War I The 1916 Rising The War of Independence The Civil War Mass emigration The 1926 Census helps us track Irish families through this turbulent period. Tracing internal migration Many families moved for work, safety, or opportunity. Birthplace data helps us follow those movements. Understanding social and economic conditions Housing returns (Forms B1 and B2) reveal: How many rooms a family had What the

When the 1926 Irish Census is released, it will be the most significant development in Irish family history research in over a decade. For the first time, we’ll be able to step into the homes of our ancestors as they lived in the early years of the Irish Free State — a society rebuilding after revolution, civil war, and profound social change. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just beginning your family history journey, the 1926 Census promises to reshape what we know a

Family trees grow quickly when you move back through generations. Each generation you go back, the number of your direct ancestors doubles. That’s because every person has two biological parents. Here’s how it works: Generation 1 – Parents You have 2 parents : one mother and one father. Generation 2 – Grandparents Each parent has two parents. So you have 4 grandparents . Generation 3 – Great-Grandparents Each grandparent also has two parents. That gives you 8 great-grandparen

Irish marriages are powerful genealogical records that can reveal family origins, social ties, and even long‑lost branches of your tree. Whether you’re just beginning your Irish research or trying to break through a stubborn brick wall, marriage records are often the missing link. Why Marriage Records Matter in Irish Genealogy Marriage entries frequently contain details that don’t appear in birth or death records. Depending on the time period and denomination, you may find: N

A few practical steps can help you begin your research with confidence: • Start at Home Speak with relatives and gather names, dates, places, and family stories. Search for old letters, photographs, certificates, diaries, or family Bibles. • Understand Irish Naming Patterns Be aware of surname variations and anglicised spellings. Traditional naming conventions for first names can also offer valuable clues. • Explore Civil Records Civil registration began in 1864  for births,

As an Irish genealogist, I often remind clients that the land tells stories our ancestors couldn’t always write down. For many Irish...

Delighted to be delivering this workshop on Wednesday 18th June

International Women's Day (IWD) and Irish genealogy can be beautifully connected by celebrating the stories