Tracing your Ancestors: An Introduction to Irish Genealogy

A workshop to introduce people to the various tools, archives, and databases available to those interested in exploring their family's past. 2026 is an important year for Irish genealogy, with the release of the 1926 Census coming up in April. This has been long awaited by all those interested in exploring their family's past. The 1926 Census will act as an important bridge, connecting older materials to the present day and will provide important links in families' histories.

Of course, there are already many other available documents, databases, and materials available to anyone interested in researching their past. For many people accessing or understanding these can seem daunting, which, in turn, dissuades them from exploring their genealogy, even though they are interested in it. This workshop will help with this. Led by a local expert with many years experience in the field, it will explain and demonstrate what is available for those interested in exploring their past. It will provide a foundation that anyone will be able to use to start building their own family tree.

The workshop will be a blend of presentation and hands on learning. To this end, participants are asked to bring a laptop/tablet which will be used in the second half of the afternoon. Our expert will be on hand to talk everyone through how to the navigate the various online resources, as well as explaining other available materials found in places such as the National Archives and the National Library. With the imminent release of of the 1926 Census records, now is the perfect time to learn about the various tools that are available for those interested in learning about their past.