July 1998

Irish Records: Sources for Family and Local History by James Ryan
by James Ryan
(Hardback; 40.00 IRP / 60.00 USD)

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For the period of greatest interest to family history researchers, the late 18th and early-to-mid 19th centuries, Irish family records are sparse. During this period, most of the Irish population (and particularly those who emigrated) lived as small tenant farmers or laborers; these activities required few written records. Even such events and births and deaths and marriages were not generally recorded by the state until after 1864 and, for the majority of people, were not recorded by their church until after 1800. In light of this dearth of records, every source of information can be invaluable.

This book is designed to facilitate Irish family history research by providing a comprehensive listing of the record sources available for each county in Ireland. Indeed, there are records which can answer vital questions about Irish ancestors: Where did they live? Who were their relatives? What were their occupations? Such sources as civil registers, censuses, land records, and church records are available to those who know where they can be found.

In this revised edition, the author has included many new sources. In particular, the sections for each county on 'Census and Census Substitutes,' 'Miscellaneous Sources,' and 'Research Services' have been expanded. The details of Presbyterian, Church of Ireland, and Catholic records have also been extensively amended. This new edition also lists all of the heritage centers which provide search services, and it specifically indicates which parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, and other sources have been indexed by each. The growth of these centers is the most important development in Irish family history research in the last 10 years, and this book shows how this new resource can be used to greatest effect.

This book is your guide to locating Irish family records in Ireland. Arranged by county, it describes civil, ecclesiastical, and printed primary and secondary sources for each county. It also provides important details about the heritage and genealogy centers which now exist in most Irish counties - these have indexed many important record sources and provide valuable research services. This book is a direct route to your Irish ancestry.