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

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?”

The Great Hunger Memorial Statues with flowers

Did your Irish Ancestor Live Through this terrible time?

Ever wondered about the stories and trials your Irish ancestor might have faced during the great famine? As I delved into the resilience and hardships of my own O’Regan lineage, it made me reflect on the untold tales each of our ancestors might hold.

Irish Genealogy & Family History Podcasts

Des on Dineen Road - One Listener's Story - A Letter from Australia to Ireland (#208)

One Listener’s Story – A Letter from Australia to Ireland (#208)

So many people left Ireland for Australia in the early to late 1800s. Some were sent for “seven long years transportation” while others went of their own accord to seek a better life. Here we have just one story connecting so many threads between Australia and a County in Ireland.

John Grenham and Mike Podcast - Meet John Grenham - A Chat on the state of Irish Ancestry Records (#207)

Meet John Grenham – A Chat on the state of Irish Ancestry Records (#207)

We join John Grenham – author of the definitive guide to Irish Genealogy – “Tracing your Irish Ancestors” – and more.

Canadian Flag

Meet the Irish-Canadians – Following The Irish Ancestral Trail in Canada (#206)

In this episode we share just some of the interviews and commentaries we recorded as we made our way along the “Irish Ancestral Trail” from Newfoundland to Toronto in Ontario.

Copy of Facebook App – Untitled Design - More Irish Stories from The Green Room (#205)

More Irish Stories from The Green Room (#205)

In this special episode, we select some stories from our annual Green Room Member Storybook.

Irish Citizenship

Obtaining Irish Citizenship – From Movie Stars to the Rest of us (#202)

In this episode we talk about Irish citizenship through a story about a movie star and director you may know.