Ancient Ireland · Explore, research, discover

Starting your family-history research

Walking in ancient steps.

Download the Irish Genealogy Starter Guide (PDF)
  1. Pick one ancestor

    Begin with someone whose identity and relationship to you are supported by family documents.

  2. Collect what you have

    List names, places, dates and relatives who may know more. Keep uncertain dates as ranges.

  3. Write a question

    For example: which record could establish this person’s place of birth? Identify the evidence needed before searching.

  4. Log your search

    Record the collection, terms and outcome, then choose the next check.

Continue to the full guide