Irish Genealogical Resources

Tracing your Irish Ancestors

Some of the Irish records available to researchers

The first successful census of Ireland was conducted in 1821, inaugurating a decennial series which ended in 1911. The returns for the 1821-91 period have almost entirely been lost, so all that remain for researchers are those for 1901 and 1911 which are available here: http://census.nationalarchives.ie/

The next census of Ireland was conducted in 1926, the records of which will be released in January 2027.

Civil Records

Civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths was introduced into Ireland in 1864. The sole exception was non-Catholic marriages, which the state began recording from 1845. Civil records of Births (1864-1923), Marriages (1845-1948) and Deaths (1864-1973) can be found on www.irishgenealogy.ie.

Ecclesiastical Records

Roman Catholic parish records of baptisms, marriages and (uncommonly) burials are held by the parishes themselves. However, in 1949 the National Library microfilmed parochial registers from their dates of commencement (which varies widely from parish to parish) until c.1880. These can be viewed at https://registers.nli.ie/

Church of Ireland registers of baptisms, marriages, and burials are variously held by the parishes, the National Archives, the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland, and the Representative Church Body Library in Dublin. A significant number were lost during the destruction of the Public Records Office of Ireland in June 1922. A full listing of surviving Church of Ireland registers and their locations is available here: https://www.nationalarchives.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/PARISHREGISTERS.pdf

Methodist Church: Detailed information on Irish Methodist records is available here: https://methodisthistoryireland.org/irish-methodist-baptismal-and-marriage-records/

Presbyterian Church: Detailed information on Irish Presbyterian congregational records is available here: https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Utility/About-Us/Historical-Information/Congregational-Records.aspx

The Society of Friends: Records of births, marriages, deaths, and burials are available on: www.limerick.ie/discover/explore/historical-resources/limerick-archives/archive-collections/religious-society

Land Records

Tithe Applotment Books: These were compiled between 1823 and 1837 to assess the tithes payable by the occupants of agricultural holdings of over one acre to the then established Church of Ireland. Books for almost every civil parish in Ireland survive, recording the head of the family, the acreage held, and the sum to be paid. They are available here: http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp

Griffith’s Valuation: Published between 1847 and 1864, Griffith’s Primary Valuation constituted the first comprehensive survey of property occupancy in Ireland, both buildings and land. Valuation books and corresponding maps for every civil parish in Ireland survive, recording the head of the family, their immediate lessors, and the value of the property held. These books and maps are available here: https://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml?action=placeSearch