Why Irish Citizenship by Association Can Be a Frustrating Process
For many people with an Irish-born great-grandparent, citizenship by association may appear to offer a pathway to Irish citizenship. On paper, this route exists and is available through the Department of Justice for applicants who can demonstrate Irish descent and a meaningful connection to Ireland. Unfortunatly, from our own experience working with clients and families, […]
Why You Should Research Your Irish Ancestry and Visit the Place Your Ancestors Lived
Tracing your Irish ancestry is a rewarding journey, offering a deeper connection to your heritage and history. But the experience doesn’t end with just research. Visiting the places where your ancestors lived in Ireland adds a whole new layer of meaning to your family story. Here’s why it’s so valuable to both research your roots […]
Why DNA Testing Websites May Not Be the Best Way to Discover Your Irish Ancestry
We often get emails and queries from clients who have filled out DNA testing kits with the hope proving their Irish ancestry. However these tests are often missing a huge part of ones personal ancestral story. In recent years, DNA testing websites have gained immense popularity as a tool for people seeking to uncover their […]
Unravelling the Past: The Importance of Irish Townland Names in Genealogy
Irish townland names are a treasure trove of information for genealogists and anyone researching Irish ancestry. These ancient geographical divisions, often unique to Ireland, are key to unlocking the stories of family history, local culture, and historical landscapes. If you are in the process of researching your Irish ancestry and your genealogist or family historian […]
Understanding Irish Naming Traditions
Irish naming traditions are rich with history and meaning, reflecting Ireland’s deep cultural roots. These traditions have been shaped by centuries of linguistic, historical, and familial influences, making them unique and significant. One notable aspect of Irish names is their Gaelic origin. Many Irish names are derived from the Gaelic language, or Gaeilge as it […]
The Impact of the Burning of the GPO on Irish Genealogy Research
I am often so envious of British record collections. In comparison to English and Scottish records, Irish records are unfortunately not as extensive. This has a lot to do with the burning of the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin during the Easter Rising of 1916 marked a pivotal moment in Irish history. While the […]
Irish Mother and Baby Homes- A Lingering Scandal
In January 2021 a report into the Mother and Baby homes was released in Ireland. This sparked discussions about the accessibility of public records to people who were adopted from these homes. This report also ignited a huge amount of fear, anger and frustration among those affected and the wider public. Be that as it […]
Applying for Irish Citizenship through Descent
Applying for Irish Citizenship through Descent In the past two years we have seen our Irish citizenship service grow significantly. This is, of course, expected when you look at the tumultuous circumstances many people find themselves living in, in both the United States and Great Britain. We have been contacted by many people, mostly from […]
The Irish Famine of 1879
I mentioned in my post “Irish Ancestry in Newfoundland” that genealogy research projects often reveal more than just a person’s Irish family history. They shine a light on the history of places and people that I previously knew very little about. In 2015 I was tasked with carrying out research on a family from Sligo. […]
Irish ancestry in Newfoundland
The connection between Ireland and Newfoundland is as strong as the ice that engulfs the rugged island in the harsh winter. Prior to setting up my Irish genealogy business, Oak Ancestry, in 2013, I had passing knowledge about Newfoundland and its ancestral link with Ireland. It was not until I was commissioned to carry out […]
