GuidedResearch:Finding the Town Where Your Ancestor Lived

= Finding the Ireland Place of Origin =

Knowing the place of origin (parish or townland) in Ireland is extremely beneficial in finding the desired ancestor because of common names. Even if the parish or townland is not found, knowing the county will significantly narrow search results. Try the following suggestions:


 * Survey previous research of the ancestor and their family (including parents, siblings, spouses, children).
 * FamilySearch Family Tree
 * Ancestry Member Trees
 * Geni.com
 * Wikitree.com


 * Search records in country of arrival. Some useful records include:
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 * Biographies
 * Birth, marriage, death certificates
 * Cemetery records
 * Census records
 * Church records
 * County histories
 * Genealogies
 * Journals
 * Land and property records
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 * Letters
 * Military records
 * Naturalization records
 * Newspapers
 * Obituaries
 * Passenger lists (especially after 1900)
 * Probate records
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 * Search records in Ireland. Some useful records include:
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 * Census records
 * Census substitutes
 * Church records
 * Civil registration
 * Emigration records
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 * Genealogies
 * Military records
 * Newspapers
 * Probate records
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 * Localize the surname. Checking a surname distribution map may locate the likely region an ancestor is from. Search for the surname of both the father/groom and mother/bride to narrow down the region.
 * Irish Surnames
 * Ireland Surname Distribution mid 1800s

After place is located: Go to Ireland Guided Research to find the vital records of your ancestor.