How to Use FamilySearch for Irish Genealogy (Beyond IrishGenealogy.ie)

How to Use FamilySearch for Irish Genealogy (Beyond IrishGenealogy.ie)

This guide will help you navigate FamilySearch.org to uncover your Irish ancestors using its extensive collections and research tools.

1. Start with a Broad Search for Your Ancestor

• Begin by visiting FamilySearch.org.

• Click on Search in the top menu, then select Records from the dropdown.

• Enter your ancestor's known details: First Name, Last Name, approximate Birth Year, and any other relevant information.

• Crucially, in the Place Your Ancestor Lived field, type "Ireland" and select the appropriate suggestion (e.g., "Ireland").

• Click the Search button.

• Review the results. Look for records that match your ancestor's name and location. Pay attention to the "Collection" column to see where the record originates (e.g., "Ireland, Civil Registration Indexes," "Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers").

2. Explore Specific Collections via the Catalog

• If direct searches yield limited results, or you want to explore records for a specific area, navigate to Search in the top menu and choose Catalog.

• In the "Place" field, enter a specific Irish county (e.g., "Cork, Ireland") or a smaller locality if known. Click Search.

• The results will show a list of record types available for that area. Common types include Church Records, Civil Registration, Land and Property, and Probate Records.

• Click on a record type to expand it and see specific collections. For example, clicking "Church Records" for a county might show records for different denominations or parishes.

• Look for a camera icon next to a record entry. This indicates that the record images are available to browse directly on FamilySearch. If there's no index, you'll need to browse page by page.

• Click the camera icon, then select the appropriate film number or record set. You can then navigate through the digital images as if you were viewing microfilm.

3. Utilize the FamilySearch Wiki for Context and Strategy

• For in-depth information on Irish records and research strategies, go to Search in the top menu and select Research Wiki.

• In the "Find a Wiki Article" search bar, type "Ireland Genealogy" or a specific county like "County Mayo Genealogy."

• The Wiki provides comprehensive articles detailing what records exist, where they are located, their historical context, and how to access them (often linking directly to relevant FamilySearch collections).

• Pay close attention to sections on record availability, common challenges, and alternative record types. For example, if parish registers are missing for a specific period, the Wiki might suggest land records or probate records as substitutes.

4. Target Key Irish Record Types on FamilySearch

• Civil Registration: Search directly via Search > Records for "Ireland, Civil Registration Indexes" or browse the collection. These cover births (from 1864), marriages (from 1845/1864), and deaths (from 1864).

• Catholic Parish Registers: Often found by browsing the Catalog under a specific parish/diocese (e.g., "Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1792-1900"). Many of these are image-only collections requiring manual browsing for your ancestors.

• Griffith's Valuation: An indexed land survey from 1847-1864, vital for finding ancestors before civil registration. Searchable via Search > Records, or browse the collection.

• Tithe Applotment Books: An earlier land survey (c. 1823-1837), also browsable through the Catalog for specific parishes.