Resources

Free documents and databases that will help your research

Databases

Useful links

​​Catholic parish records
Digitised records for 1,086 Irish Catholic parishes are now available for free viewing on the National Library of Ireland website. Those searching for their south Wicklow ancestors should bear in mind that the place of origin of their forefathers may not correspond with the parish name. Hence, Carnew records are to be found in the parish of Tomacork and the Tinahely records are to be found in the parish of Killavany.

Griffith valuation 1853
In the absence of surviving pre-1901 censuses, the Griffith Valuation is the most comprehensive mid-nineteenth century resource available and can provide directions for researchers to identify the plot of land where their ancestors lived. It was not, however, a census, nor was it intended to be one. Instead it was a land survey, and as such has limitations.

1901 and 1911 censuses
The 1901 census was taken on the night of 31 March 1901 and recorded every man, woman and child alive on the island of Ireland. It is the first full Irish census available to those involved in family research. The records are available at the website of the National Archives of Ireland. They are fully indexed and can be searched under many criteria. Both the transcriptions and the original returns can be viewed, free of charge.
I met Kevin and Eleanor 15 months ago and had the overwhelmingly emotional experience of standing inside the foundation of my 3x great-grandparents' little home. It's something I will remember for the rest of my days. The Lees are the most generous and accommodating people I've ever met and I hope to see them again. Only this time I'm bringing my sister! - Jan Curry Fortier, Edmonton (2019)