Go Green: – Genealogy – Genealogy guide

Genealogy guide

Start researching your family history by getting your hands on as much basic information as possible. Compile a list of your ancestors containing:

Their name
Approximate date of birth
County and parish of origin
Religious denomination
Names of their parents
Names of the spouse, and date and place of marriage

Where to look

The best research points vary according to the timeframe in which your ancestor lived in Ireland.

Timeframe	Where to look
1901 - 1911	Census returns Start researching
1840s – 1860s	Primary Valuation, also known as Griffith’s Valuation Start researching
1820s – 1830s	Tithe Applotment Books Start researching
1800s - present	Testamentary card index and other indexes to wills and testamentary records Start researching
various	Index to marriage licence bonds Start researching

Places to research in Ireland

The National Library of Ireland, Co. Dublin

Free Genealogical Advisory Service, with a genealogist on duty who can give you an overview of the Irish genealogical records and explain the finding aids and records.
Official site

The National Archives of Ireland, Co. Dublin

Houses the Census 1901 & 1911, wills, Griffiths Primary Valuation, Tithe Appointment Books and other holdings, plus free genealogical service.
Official site

The General Registry Office, Belfast

Holds all civil birth, marriage and death records from 1864 – 1921 for all of Ireland. Post-1921, records for 6 countries are stored. Full birth certificates are available and research facility is provided.
Official site

Public Records Office of Northern Ireland, Belfast

Great if your ancestors lived in Ulster. Holds valuation books, will calendars and wills, estate papers, and church records for most denominations.
Official site

Valuation Office, Co. Dublin

Houses maps and cancelled and current land books, based on the Griffiths Primary Valuation.
Official site

Registry of Deeds, Co. Dublin

Genealogical information from deeds, as they contain records of marriage settlements and wills, and property transations made by land owners, merchants and traders.
Official site