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

Annie Moore Emigrant

7 Favourite Irish Ancestry Moments from Series 4 of the Letter from Ireland Show (#410)

As we reach the end of series 4 of the Letter from Ireland Podcast show, we’d thought we would share just 7 of our favourite moments. It was a tough choice and we hope you enjoy them!

Proni Mike Jayne and Carina - 3 Signs You Are making Progress as an Irish Family History Researcher (#409)

3 Signs You Are making Progress as an Irish Family History Researcher (#409)

Do you wonder what it takes to really get your Irish Family History research REALLY humming? We interviewed Irish-based genealogist – Jayne McGarvey – and asked her to share 3 signs that you are making progress as an Irish ancestry researcher.

American genealogist Pam Holland and Carina standing in front of the New England Historic Genealogical society doors

Irish Ancestry – Interview With an American Genealogist on Tracing Your Irish Ancestors (#406)

Do you need help figuring out HOW to trace your Irish ancestry back to Ireland? Well, we talk to an American Genealogist to get some hints and tips.

Hooley Group Photo - 12 Surprises - 90,000 Irish Genealogy Questions and Answers over 5 years (#405)

12 Surprises – 90,000 Irish Genealogy Questions and Answers over 5 years (#405)

The Letter from Ireland is 6 years old this year – and the Green Room is 5 years of age! Here are 12 things that surprised us over the last 5 years as we answered thousands of Irish genealogy questions in the Green Room and with the Letter from Ireland.

Green Room Research Wheel Final - Irish Genealogy - An Irish Family History Research Guide (#404)

Irish Genealogy – An Irish Family History Research Guide (#404)

Do you know where to start with your Irish Family History Research? Irish Genealogy has it’s quirks as you may have discovered! In this episode we bring you around our new Green Room Research Wheel that we have recently launched for our Green Room members.