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

An Irish Graveyard That Faces The Sea

Along Ireland’s west coast, small graveyards perch above beaches and headlands. Discover why so many Irish graveyards face the sea.

The Irish Man Who Named the United States

Meet the Irish man United States history forgot. Born in Cork, he was the first to write the nation’s name. Where were your ancestors in 1776?

The Weather Warning That Still Haunts Ireland

A simple weather alert can reveal a much deeper history. Learn how the potato blight shaped Ireland, family stories, and the Great Famine.

Who was the Hannie May in your family?

Who was the keeper of your family’s history? An Irish storyteller could be the key to uncover the memories, surnames, and townlands of your ancestors.

Why Was Your Irish Great-Grandmother Much Younger Than Her Husband?

Have you ever noticed a significant age gap between your married Irish ancestors? For many, Irish marriage wasn’t about romance, but an economic arrangement.

Irish Genealogy & Family History Podcasts

Irish Baby Names – Do You Follow this Approved List? (#117)

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 17 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode we look at “Approved” Irish baby names that are found in families – maybe you’ll hear one from your own family?

DNA and Culture – Is Irishness your Nature or Nurture? (#114)

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 14 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode we get philosophical! First, we ask if Irishness is your nature or is it nurtured. But Carina starts by asking “Where did the Irish come from?”.

Pride, Prejudice and Jane Eyre – An Irish Connection? (#113)

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 13 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode we have a literary theme. Carina looks at a famous English writer – and some of her Irish connections, as well as a family of English writers who held their ancestry from County Down. 

Maud Gonne and Mrs. Brown – 2 Tales of Strong Irish Women (#111)

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 11 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode, Carina looks at the story of two very different strong Irish women – but notices common traits that run deep in both of them.

Irish Placenames – A Journey along an old Irish Road (#110)

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 10 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode, Carina looks at how Irish placenames are created – and takes us on a journey along an old Irish road.