Top Tips for Drawing your Family Tree

16 Jun

16Jun

Ah, the family tree – a majestic map of ancestors, a treasure trove of tales, and a reminder of just how many O’Briens you’re probably related to. If you’re diving into your Irish roots, you’re in for a treat. Genealogy in Ireland isn’t just about uncovering dates and names; it’s a quest filled with drama, mystery, and, occasionally, a scandalous great-aunt who swore the family fortune was buried under the old stone wall. Here are some top tips to make tracing your Irish family tree both fruitful and fun.
Ask your Granny
Irish grannies are walking encyclopedias of family lore, but remember: the fish always grows bigger in the retelling. Write down everything she says – from the cousin who "escaped to America" to the rumour about an ancestor marrying a banshee (hey, it’s Ireland). Then cross-check those tales with official records. You might not find a banshee, but you could uncover a long-lost cousin in Cork.

Check your Irish naming pattern

Here’s the thing: Irish families love names. Specifically, the same ones – over and over. If you’re researching a Patrick O’Connell, you’ll soon discover five others born in the same parish that year. Don’t panic! Look for middle names, nicknames, or even occupational clues (“Pat the Blacksmith” vs. “Pat the hat

Check Church Records

If you want to unlock Irish ancestry, head straight to the source: parish records. Baptisms, marriages, and even burial notes were meticulously kept by the local priest These records can solve mysteries like where your great-great-grandfather was christened and best of all they are freely available online through The National Library of Ireland

Map out your Ancestors Migration Patterns
From the Great Famine to the American Dream, the Irish were movers and shakers. Check passenger lists, immigration records, and even Ellis Island archives. Remember, “going to America” could mean anywhere from New York to Boston – or even Australia for those who took the "long scenic route."

Land records are pure gold for Irish genealogy. Many Irish ancestors were tenants or farmed small plots. The Tithe Applotment Books and Griffith’s Valuation are like the whos who of 19th-century Irish landholding. Who rented what? Who owned the land? It’s all there.

Connect with the Clan

Irish family trees often intersect like spaghetti. Join online forums, local historical societies, or even the mighty power of Facebook genealogy groups. There’s always a distant cousin keen to share stories – or debate which great-uncle actually owned the family fiddle.

Recommendations

Emerald Isle Research: Digging Deep Into Your Irish Roots

From ancient clans to modern connections, we specialise in uncovering the rich stories of your Irish ancestry. Let us turn your family tree into a vibrant tapestry of history, heritage, and home. Start your journey with Emerald Isle Research – where every name has a story, and every story leads to Ireland.

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