Irish Genealogy & Family History Resources

Are you interested in discovering more on your Irish family history? In this section, I have included letters (and podcasts) that include stories, explanations and approaches to help you investigate your own Irish family history. You may even receive a little inspiration to break down one or two family history brick walls!

 

Browse the features listed on this page and jump to one that interests you, or enter a placename, surname or other item in the search box below to see related letters and podcasts.

Irish Genealogy & Family History Letters

Pint of Guinness

The First Pint of Guinness is Poured

In this letter, we explore the rich history of a renowned Irish beverage—Guinness Extra Stout Porter, commonly known as ‘Guinness’. Learn how this pint of Guinness evolved into a symbol of Ireland celebrated worldwide

The origins of an Irish royal family

The Journey of an Irish Royal Family.

In this letter – we look at the journey of an ancient Irish Royal family around the north half of Ireland over many centuries. This “journey” was typical of many Irish families following the arrival of the Normans and the later plantations.

Surname that grew from an ancient irish fairy mound

A Surname that grew from an ancient Irish fairy Mound

In the heart of Ireland lies Rathcroghan, an ancient site steeped in myth and legend and an Irish fairy mound.

Do you know your Irish county of origin

Do you know your Irish county of origin?

Which county did your Irish ancestors come from? When we think of Ireland, we often think of places like County Kerry, County Galway, County Louth and so on – all the way through the 32 historical counties on the island of Ireland. In fact, if your ancestor was asked their county of origin – they would probably include the county name as well as “Ireland” in their answer.

Life in Ireland 1800s

Life in Ireland during the 1800s: See more by looking through this lens

I have noticed that when we assemble an Irish family tree by gathering the essential ancestors, places and dates – we eventually ask: “I wonder what life in Ireland was like for my Irish ancestor and their family?”

Irish Genealogy & Family History Podcasts

blog6 - The Key To Understanding Your Irish Surnames - (#602)

The Key To Understanding Your Irish Surnames – (#602)

Did you ever wonder how the Irish surnames in your family tree originated and evolved? This handy guide talks you through many Irish first names – and how they eventually led to Irish surnames – with plenty of examples along the way!

Irish Castle with river and green landscape

Join Us On A Lockdown Tour of County Cork – (#601)

Would you like to join us on a tour of County Cork as we emerge from Covid restrictions here in Ireland? We take you on a circuit of a part of County Cork – stopping in 6 different places full of Castles, Stone Circles, Villages and Market Towns.

Celtic cross in Irish church graveyard

Join an Irish Genealogist on a Walk Through a Graveyard – (#505)

Have you ever walked around an Irish graveyard and wished you knew a little more about what you were looking at? Join our Irish Genealogist as we take you on a tour of a very special historical site in County Louth in Ireland.

Initial Meetup - Where You Need to Start Your Irish Ancestry Search - 2 Reader Case-Studies (#504)

Where You Need to Start Your Irish Ancestry Search – 2 Reader Case-Studies (#504)

Our readers are very keen to trace their Irish ancestors back to a specific part of Ireland, and that is very understandable. However, it’s often a better idea to dig up more leads and clues in the ancestors place of immigration BEFORE attempting to make the leap back to Ireland.

Scottish river, the Clyde in Glasgow with Carina

The Irish Scots – A Trip to Glasgow in Scotland (#503)

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast show, we travel to the city of Glasgow in Scotland to meet two proud Glasgow natives of Irish ancestry. Come with us as we get a unique perspective on this city that saw the arrival of so many Irish immigrants from the 1800s onwards.