Ancestry.com: Top Searches
When people visit Ancestry.com to explore their Irish heritage, they typically search for:
Family Names and Surnames: Many begin by researching common Irish surnames in their family tree to trace their roots and identify ancestral connections in Ireland.
Census Records: These are often sought after to find ancestors listed in Ireland’s population data, especially from the 1901 and 1911 Irish censuses.
Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates: Vital records such as birth, baptismal, marriage, and death certificates help users pinpoint their ancestors’ locations and family relations in Ireland.
Immigration and Passenger Lists: Many search for records of ancestors who emigrated from Ireland to other countries, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, including during the Great Famine.
Irish Parish and Church Records: With Ireland's strong Catholic tradition, church records are crucial for tracing family lineage, especially in areas where civil records may not be available.
Land and Property Records: Resources like the Griffith’s Valuation and Tithe Applotment Books are often explored to identify where ancestors lived and the property they owned or rented.
DNA Matches: Users commonly utilize AncestryDNA to connect with distant relatives and trace genetic links back to specific regions of Ireland.
Historical Context: Many are interested in historical events like the Great Famine or the Irish independence movement to better understand the lives of their ancestors.
These searches help people build a clearer picture of their Irish ancestry, often leading to discoveries about family origins, connections to specific counties or towns, and historical ties to Ireland.