1. Record what you know.
Charts and forms may be downloaded for free at www.familytreemagazine.com or other genealogy Web sites.

2. Interview relatives.
Get as much information as possible about ancestors’ names, dates of births, marriages, and dates, and when the family immigrated to America. Try to determine which port they came through. Remember, many Irish sailed to Canada, then came to America. Even clues are helpful. Also ask about where in Ireland the family came from (county and townland).

3. Read books and magazines on how to do genealogy in general.
Even though it’s tempting to jump to Ireland and do research, you’ll need to exhaust American sources first for the best research success overseas. The most important piece of information you’ll need is the exact place your family lived in Ireland (county and townland). Often this information comes from American records. The following books and magazines will help familiarize you with U.S. sources and research strategies.

Family Tree Magazine
Unpuzzling Your Past by Emily Croom
The Genealogist’s Companion and Sourcebook by Emily Croom

4. Read a book on how to start tracing your Irish genealogy.
Many Irish records are available in America on microfilm through the Family History Library www.familysearch.org, which you can rent through one of the worldwide Family History Centers. The following book will help you locate these records:

A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your Irish Ancestors by Dwight A. Radford and Kyle J. Betit

Finding Your Irish Ancestors by David Ouemette

Tracing Your Irish Ancestors, 3d edition, by John Grenham

5. Visit Irish genealogy Web sites.
While most are subscription databases, you’ll also find information to search for free, and you can subscribe to free e-newsletters.

Ireland Genealogy Links
IrishOrigins.com
Irish Heritage Centers
Alphabetical Index to Townlands and Towns of Ireland


6. Consider joining an Irish genealogy society.
Most organizations publish a newsletter or magazine with helpful articles.

Irish Genealogy Society, International
Genealogical Society of Ireland
The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA)


7. Read about Irish history, culture, and customs.
Understanding events and folkways will help you be more successful in your research. For suggested reading, click here.

To buy Irish-related books, visit Irish Books and Media

Irish Reading List          Irish Home Page

For a price quote, send a brief description of your research needs to Jim.