We are delighted to announce the publication of our latest issue of ‘Irish Genealogy Matters’, in which we keep our readers abreast of all of the latest developments in the Irish Family History Foundation and new records online! Click on the image above to read the newsletter in full. We hope you enjoy!

Discover Your Irish Roots in 2025!

Are you wishing to find out more about your Irish ancestors? Have you been thinking of what to do or where to go for your 2025 Summer holiday?

Unlock your family story with one of Ulster Historical Foundation’s 2025 research programmes!

With their research-focused format and limited capacity, you’ll enjoy dedicated support from expert researchers to delve even deeper into your Irish and Scots-Irish heritage.

From now until 14 February register for one of these programmes with just a £100 deposit! (normally £200).*

The Foundation staff have also looked at ways to improve upon the previous programmes (taking on board the recommendations and suggestions of previous delegates) and hope that the programmes devised for 2025 will better improve your research experience and visit to Ireland.

Reserve your place today and start planning a trip back to the archives to find your elusive Irish and Scots-Irish Ancestors!
*Note: Deposit is non-refundable

22nd June – 25th June 2025

This research programme gives you the chance to spend three days researching in the archives – being guided and supported by our team of researchers each day. It is the ideal programme to compliment a longer holiday or research trip that you might already have planned.

Register now with just a £100 deposit! (full price £649.99).

Click here to register

31st August – 05th September 2025

This enhanced research programme gives you the chance to spend a whole week researching in the archives – being guided and supported by our team of researchers each day. It offers you a great
opportunity to break down any genealogical brick walls and unlock your family history. Register now with just a £100 deposit! (full price £949.99).
Click here to register

26th October – 29th October 2025

This research programme gives you the chance to spend three days researching in the archives – being guided and supported by our team of researchers each day. It is the ideal programme to compliment a longer holiday or research trip that you might already have planned.

Register now with just a £100 deposit! (full price £649.99).

Click here to register

Want to find out more – speak to us directly?

Why not join Ulster Historical Foundation on Friday 31 January, 2025 to listen to and speak directly with the team delivering the different Research Programmes.

This event will include a free seminar on researching your ancestors using the archives of the Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI), plus a chance to ask practical questions to help you plan your visit to Belfast (accommodation, travel advice, location advise, local transport, etc)

• Learn more about the resources and holdings of PRONI
• Find out more about Ulster Historical Foundation’s 2025 Research Programmes

Event Details

• Date: 31 January, 2025
• Time: 16:00 (UK Time)
• Location: Online Zoom Seminar
• Registration: The event is free to attend but registration is essential

Click here to register

The Townland Atlas of Ulster is now available and can be purchased online from www.ulsterhistoricalfoundation.com

The Townland Atlas of Ulster offers an invaluable guide to the newcomer to the townland system as well as opening up the world of seventeenth-century records to the serious researcher.  Although representing a snapshot in time, it is a dynamic snapshot – of relevance to the last 400 years of our history and society.

This publication maps all 16,000+ townlands in the nine counties of Ulster (Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry/Londonderry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone),and the administrative units of church and state into which they have been organised.

In an attractive and easily understood layout, these units are shown in the context of land ownership in the 17th century, a pattern clearly recognisable until a century ago when the Land Purchase Acts broke up the estates and facilitated tenant farmers buying their own land. By using the maps and index, family and local historians can easily grasp the essentials of our ancestors’ lives – where they worked, paid their rent, went to church and market, etc.

With detailed maps, fascinating insights, and meticulous research, this beautifully crafted book is the perfect companion for anyone passionate about their Irish family history and an ideal gift for friends and family this Christmas season.

Click here for more information 

Discover your Irish roots by taking out a 12-month subscription for Roots Ireland with a 25% discount from 22nd November to 11th December 2024!*

To avail of this offer just go to the following link and login using your existing RootsIreland login details: http://www.rootsireland.ie. If you currently have a subscription, click My Account, My Subscription and Start a New Subscription. The special deal subscription will then begin once your current subscription runs out.

Why take out a subscription with RootsIreland?

• RootsIreland have the most complete and most accurate set of Roman Catholic church records online. Our index is easily searchable and has features such as standardised surname and forename searches which make your searches even more user-friendly.
• We hold over 23 million records which is being added to continually. In 2024 so far, we have added over 124,000 records to our database from Kerry, Clare, Monaghan, North Mayo, Armagh and Tipperary. New records are continually being added to our database throughout the year.
• Together, our 31 genealogy centres have an unparalleled amount of local knowledge which can be invaluable to those tracing their ancestors, a service which no other website or company can provide to such a high standard. By taking out a subscription with RootsIreland, you are helping these centres to continue to provide a world-class service and securing many Irish jobs.

If you have any questions please check our Help section and if this does not provide an answer, then you may contact us or one of the county centres. You can check what is available on our site for each county here.

*Offer applies from 22 November 2024 to 12 midnight Irish time on 11 December 2024 only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

We are delighted to announce the addition of the following new birth, baptism, marriage and headstone records to our Clare database on Roots Ireland:

For an up to date list of sources for Clare and to search these records, go to https://rootsireland.ie/clare/ and login or subscribe as required.

Register for an Online Genealogy Course Today!

Take the time this winter to further explore your family history, gain a better understanding of the archives and genealogical sources in Ireland and find your elusive Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors.

Ulster Historical Foundation’s upcoming online Irish Genealogy Essentials course offers everything you will need to know about specific aspects and topics in Irish genealogy and will provide you with the tools and information needed to further explore your Irish family
history.

New for 2024-25

• All lectures have been re-recorded and updated for the 2024-25 essentials
  course!
• Get the chance to sit down and have a one-to-one virtual consultation* with one of Ulster Historical Foundation’s genealogists.* During the consultation you will receive personal research advice and guidance from an experienced member of our dedicated team who will use their knowledge and archival experience to help solve your family tree puzzle.
• Interactive digital “workshop” session, demonstrating the practical use of online resources

* Note: the personal consultations will be scheduled once the course has concluded.

What to expect?

• Explore Your Roots from Anywhere: The beauty of this online course is that it can be accessed from the comfort of your home, regardless of where you are in the world. No need to travel or make time-consuming visits to archives and libraries; we bring Ireland’s history and your ancestors to your fingertips.
•  Learn from the Experts: Irish Genealogy Essentials is led by seasoned genealogists and researchers who have the knowledge and expertise to break down any brick walls you may have encountered and assist you in your family history research.
•  Comprehensive Programme: This course consists of over 20 pre-recorded lectures (over 28 hours of content) on essential topics relating to Irish genealogical research. Topics include: Irish land divisions; Church Records; Landed estate papers; Census substitutes; and much more.
• Interactive Discussions: Engage in lively discussions and ask questions to the course lecturers during the different Q and A sessions that will be scheduled during the programme. Connect with a like-minded community, ask questions, and learn from one another.
• Practical Skills: This course doesn’t just give you information; it equips you with practical skills. You’ll learn how to critically analyze sources, and discover how to navigate the challenges of Irish family history research
• Take the First Step: Don’t let the complexity of Irish genealogy deter you. Register today and gain the knowledge and confidence you need to tackle your research projects effectively.
• Cost: Priced at £374.99 this Irish Genealogy Essentials online course takes all the key components of Ulster Historical Foundations normal in-person courses and makes them available digitally
• Course Dates: 17 November 2024 – 31 January 2025

Click here to register