Top Tips for Getting Started With Your Irish Family Tree

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, marriages, and deaths, providing a key foundation for modern research. ( COI marriages were registered from 1840's)

• Examine Census Records

The 1901 and 1911 Irish censuses are freely available online, with the 1926 census due for release in April.

• Check Church Registers

Before 1864, parish records—especially Catholic and Church of Ireland registers—are essential sources.

• Use Land and Property Records

Resources such as Griffith’s Valuation (1847–1864) and the Tithe Applotment Books (1823–1838) serve as valuable substitutes for missing census data.

• Keep Detailed Notes

Use genealogy software or online platforms (including Ancestry Guest Access) to organise your findings. Always record your sources and verify information—ages, spellings, and dates can vary widely.

• Be Patient and Persistent

Irish genealogy can be challenging, but perseverance pays off. Revisit sources, follow new leads, and consider reaching out to local archives or genealogy groups.