Collect Initial Details

Start by writing down everything you know about your family, including names, birth dates, marriage dates, and locations. Additionally, speak with older relatives to hear their stories and gather any important documents they may have.

Organize Your Results

Build a family tree to trace your ancestry, starting with yourself and working backward through generations. Be sure to keep track of your sources, noting where you found each piece of information, whether from family interviews or documents.

Search Census Records

Only the 1901 and 1911 censuses are still complete and publicly available for Ireland. Since they cover the whole island, they offer a unique glimpse into life at the time. With no earlier complete censuses surviving, these two censuses are invaluable resources for Irish genealogists and anyone researching their family history.

According to the 1901 Census, which took place on March 31, 1901, the information collected includes names, ages, religion, occupation, literacy status, marital status, relationship to the head of household, and place of birth.

The 1911 Census, taken on April 2, 1911, includes additional details such as the number of years a couple has been married, the number of children born, and the number of those children still alive.

Both censuses are available to view online for free at the National Archives of Ireland's Genealogy website.

Review Civil Registration Records

Starting in 1864, Ireland began keeping civil records of births, marriages, and deaths. The country also started registering non-Catholic marriages in 1845.

Civil records of births, marriages, and deaths are crucial for tracing your family history. They contain vital information like names, occupations, and addresses, which are essential for building a family tree.

You can view civil records online through the Irish Government's Irish Genealogy website.

Explore Church Records

Before civil registration started in Ireland, researchers relied on church records to trace their family history. Church records, if they still exist, can help you go back in time beyond 1864.

Most surviving records have been stored at the National Library of Ireland and microfilmed as part of their collections. To make them more accessible, the library has digitized the records and made them available online at registers.nli.ie.

Church of Ireland records usually date back much further than Roman Catholic records in Ireland. As the Established Church, it was required by law to keep these records, a duty that started in the 17th century.

Most of the surviving Church of Ireland records are held by the Representative Church Body Library.

Look into Land and Property Records

Griffith's Valuation (1847-1864) is a valuable resource for tracing ancestors and understanding land ownership in Ireland. You can access it online through the Ask About Ireland website.

The Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1837) are a valuable resource for genealogists. These records were made to determine the tithe tax and offer important details on landowners and occupiers during that time.

View the Tithe Applotment Books for free online through the National Archives of Ireland's Genealogy website.

Think about DNA Testing

Consider getting a DNA ancestry test, as it can provide new clues and help you connect with relatives you never knew existed. By understanding your results, you can better focus your search and discover new branches of your family tree.

Examine and Record Findings

Make it a point to regularly assess your research by double-checking the facts and connections you've found. Keeping a detailed and organized record of your findings is crucial, including notes on your searches and the information you gather.

Connect with Others

Connecting with online forums or local genealogy groups can offer helpful support and advice for researching Irish ancestry. You can also find Irish genealogy groups on online platforms where members share their resources and personal stories.