Have you ever wondered about the stories of your Irish ancestors? Where did they come from? What did they do for a living? The secrets of your family's past are closer than you think, waiting to be discovered through the power of online research.
Tracing Irish family history has long been a challenge due to the loss of many records over the centuries. Many people hit frustrating dead ends when trying to research their Irish roots. But the digital revolution has changed everything. Today, a wealth of Irish historical records that were once inaccessible are now available online, making it possible to piece together your family story from anywhere in the world.
This fully updated second edition serves as your comprehensive guide to Irish genealogy on the internet. Author Chris Paton, an expert in the field, demonstrates the extraordinary variety of sources now accessible online, from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland to the National Archives of Ireland. You'll learn how to navigate major platforms like FindmyPast Ireland, Ancestry.co.uk, and RootsIreland, as well as discover valuable resources maintained by volunteer genealogical communities.
What sets this guide apart is its practical approach. Rather than just listing available resources, Paton shows you exactly how to use them through fascinating case studies that illustrate real research journeys. You'll explore records from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, covering everything from early church records to modern census data. The book also includes coverage of overseas collections and explains how social networking can help connect you with distant cousins and fellow researchers.
Whether you're just beginning your Irish family search or have already hit some roadblocks, this book provides the tools and confidence to move forward. It's perfect for anyone curious about their heritage, from beginners to experienced genealogists looking to expand their Irish research. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what records are available, how to access them, and how to piece together your Irish family history one clue at a time.
Start your journey to discovering your Irish roots today – the stories of your ancestors are waiting to be found.
