Sources of Information

I can't claim to be an expert on the available sources. However, these are some that I have used or found thus far. Also, I have included links to other sites which are helpful.

"A Genealogical Atlas of Ireland", by Brian Mitchel, 1986

This is a very good reference, and shows all of the administrative regions in Ireland: counties, baronies, civil parishes, poor law unions, and probate districts. It does not show townlands. However, if you know the barony or parish that your ancestors lived in, then this will help narrow down other sources.

1901 Census of Ireland

This was the first census of Ireland to be conducted along the lines of the modern census. It is the oldest fully surviving census, and has a lot of detail. It will show you the name of the head of the house, spouse, children, ages, religion, whether they could read or write, type of dwelling.

It is widely available on micro-fiche in most of the county libraries in Ireland.

Griffiths Valuation, 1857

This conducted in 1857, for the purpose of assessing taxes. It shows the head of the household, the size of the holding, and some other information.

"Anglo-Norman Ireland", Michael Dolley, 1972

This book gives an outline of the story of the political evolution of 12^th and 13^th century Ireland.

"Tracing Your IRISH ANCESTORS", John Grenham, 2nd Edition, 1999

Excellent guide book for Irish genealogy.

Click here for links to useful web-sites.