Celebrate St Patrick’s Day by taking out a 12-month subscription for RootsIreland with 25% off from 4th March to 31st March 2026!

Why take out a subscription to Roots Ireland?

• RootsIreland have the most complete and most accurate set of Roman Catholic church records online, as well as millions of Protestant records, civil records, census records, headstone inscriptions and census substitutes. 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, and our database is being added to continually. Since 2020, we have added over 1 million records to our database from Limerick, Clare, Sligo, Kerry, Wicklow, Westmeath, Kilkenny, South Dublin, South Tipperary, Monaghan, Armagh, North Mayo, Cork, Laois, Offaly and Galway. Last year we added almost 170,000 records from Kerry, Monaghan, Cork, Antrim, Down, Wexford, Dublin, Fermanagh and Tipperary. New records are continually being added to our database throughout the year, which are announced as they happen.
• 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 4 March 2026 to 12 midnight Irish time on 31 March 2026 only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

New Youtube video: Researching Ulster ancestors after 1800:
twenty key points to consider

The nineteenth century marks a turning point for family historians researching Ulster ancestors. This talk, delivered by Dr William Roulston, author of the bestselling research guide Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600–1800 and of the forthcoming publication Researching Ulster Ancestors, 1800–1914, explores what makes this period distinct, from major social and economic change to the rapid expansion of record-keeping.
Focusing on the years after 1800, Dr Roulston explores twenty key points including the evolution of record keeping, land ownership changes, and societal developments. This informative video is ideal for beginners and more experienced researchers alike and offers practical guidance and fresh perspectives on uncovering Ulster ancestors in the nineteenth century.

Click here to view the video on Youtube

Researching Your Ulster Ancestors after 1800

The nineteenth century marks a turning point for family historians researching Ulster ancestors. Delivered by Dr William Roulston, research director of the Ulster Historical Foundation, and author of the bestselling research guide Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600–1800 and of the forthcoming publication Researching Ulster Ancestors, 1800–1914, this talk, which takes place on 29^th January 2026 at 3 pm explores what makes this period distinct, from major social and economic change to the rapid expansion of record-keeping.

Focusing on the years after 1800, it will introduce key sources such as civil registration, census returns, church records, valuation records, and newspapers, and explain how they can be used together to build a clearer picture of ancestors’ lives. Ideal for beginners and more experienced researchers alike, this talk will offer practical guidance and fresh perspectives on uncovering Ulster ancestors in the nineteenth century.

This lecture is free to attend but registration is advised to secure your place. The talk will be also be recorded for those of you unable to join live.

Click here for more information

 

We are delighted to announce the addition of 8278 nineteenth-century census substitute records for County Kildare to the Roots Ireland database! They are as follows: 

• Slater’s Trade Directories for Co. Kildare, 1846 and 1881 (3,234 records);
• Thom’s Directories, 1849 and 1854 (511 records);
• Voters’ Lists of Qualifying Freeholders and Leaseholders from the Leinster Express newspaper, of 1836 (4,533 records).

Commercial and trade directories are an invaluable source of information family history research for the late eighteenth to the twentieth century in Ireland. They list professional services, gentry, police, clergy, public officials, and military personnel, and often include outlying areas and smaller towns, offering a snapshot of commercial, private, and administrative life. Provincial and county directories, such as Slater’s National Commercial Directory of Ireland, are particularly useful. They provide names, occupations, and addresses of individuals, including church and school staff.

Between 2005-2011 the Kildare Local Studies department of Kildare Library Service extracted individual records pertaining to Co. Kildare from Slater’s Trade Directories of 1846 and 1881, and Thom’s Directories, 1849 and 1854. These sources offer a snapshot of life in Co. Kildare between the Famine (1839-1845) and the Local Government Act of 1898. Another wonderful source for family and local history are local newspapers; Kildare Local Studies extracted individual records from the Leinster Express newspaper of 1836 pertaining to Co. Kildare voters.

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

Don’t miss out on our special offer running now – 25% off a twelve month subscription!

 

 

Why take out a subscription to Roots Ireland?

RootsIreland have the most complete and most accurate set of Roman Catholic church records online, as well as millions more Protestant records, civil records, census records, headstone inscriptions and census substitutes. 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, and our database is being added to continually. In 2025 alone, we have added over 168,000 records from Antrim, Down, Kerry, Tipperary, Fermanagh, Wexford, Dublin, Monaghan and Cork. In 2024, we added over 154,000 records from Monaghan, Kerry, Armagh, Mayo, Clare and Tipperary. 
Together, our 32 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 21st November 2025 to 12 midnight Irish time on 11th December 2025 only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Unlock Your Irish Ancestry:

Register for an Online Genealogy Course Today!

Ulster Historical Foundation’s next Online Genealogy Course is set to begin on 09 November, 2025

From curious newcomers to experienced researchers, everyone will find fresh perspectives and practical guidance to deepen your understanding of your Irish family history.

Irish Genealogy Essentials takes all the key components of the Foundation’s normal in-person courses and makes them available digitally allowing participants to complete the programme at their own pace and from the comfort of their own home.

Since launching in 2020, hundreds of participants have taken part — many saying how useful the course was, how much they learned, and how glad they were to have signed up. Even those who thought they already knew a lot about genealogy were pleasantly surprised by how much more there was to discover.

New for 2025-26

• Unlike our previous courses, Ulster Historical Foundation’s 2025-26 course has been expanded and now includes over 30 lectures!
• 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 the Foundation’s 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 30 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: 09 November 2025 – 31 January 2026

Click here to register 

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!

We are delighted to announce the addition of 11,964 census substitute records for Antrim and Down to the Roots Ireland database! They are as follows: 

Act of Union Petitions, 1799-1800 (Down) – 760 records

The Act of Union was passed in 1800 and came into force on 1 January 1801. The Irish parliament was abolished and henceforth Irish MPs represented their constituents at Westminster. During the debates associated with this petitions both for and against the Act of Union were drawn up across Ireland. Some of these petitions were county-based, while others were from parishes or manors. Several were published in the Belfast Newsletter in 1799-1800.

Supporters of and Subscribers to Charitable and Public Causes, 1781-1900 (Antrim & Down) – 5218 records

This database brings together a diverse range of historical records documenting individual and collective contributions to charitable, religious, social welfare, and community improvement initiatives across Ireland from the late 18th to the late 19th century. The index consolidates subscriber and donor information from a variety of distinct sources, providing insight into patterns of philanthropy, civic engagement, and local support for public causes during this period.

Included in the database are the following sources

• A list of those who contributed to the funds of the House of Industry Belfast, 1834
• Building Fund for New Mater Hospital, Belfast, 1894 (Mater Infirmorum Hospital Publications)
• Contributors to an Envelope Collection for New Mater Hospital Belfast, 1900 (Mater Infirmorum Hospital Publications)
• Contributors to Ballymoney Mendicity Association, 1832-1833 (Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland: Parishes of County Antrim V, Volume 16)
• Hillsborough Charitable Society Subscribers, County Down, 1836-1837 (Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland: Co. Down III, Vol. 12)
• List of Subscribers to the Belfast Charitable Society with Statement of Accounts, Belfast, 1830
• Members of Central Committee appointed in 1894 to raise funds for new Mater Hospital (Mater Infirmorum Hospital Publications)
• Persons who Donated Money at Formal Opening of New Mater Hospital Belfast, 1900 (Mater Infirmorum Hospital Publications)
• Rebuilding of First Derry Presbyterian Church, List of original contributors 1781 (Derry Standard, 14 June 1855)
• Reward for information relating to the murder of Joseph Beard, Derrynoose Co. Armagh (Reward Subscribers Derrynoose Co. Armagh, 1795)
• Subscribers to charity sermon at opening of new Mater Hospital, Belfast, 1900 (Mater Infirmorum Hospital Publications)
• Subscribers to Newry Workhouse, 1834 (Ordnance Survey Memoirs, Co. Down I, Vol. 3)
• Subscribers to the Killyleagh, Killinchy, Kilmood and Tullynakill branch North-East Farming Society, 1835 (PRONI, D3550/1)
• Subscribers to the Leckpatrick Famine Relief Committee, 1846-1847 (Famine Relief Commission Papers, NAI RLFC 3/2/28/36)
• Subscription List for new church in Crossgar (Irish News, 03 June 1899)

Irish Emigration Records, 1773-1939 (Antrim & Down) – 681 records

This database brings together a number of sources including workhouse registers, passenger lists and newspaper reports detailing the names and locations of individuals emigrating from Ireland. It has been prepared by transcribing the following sources:

• Passenger List – Athenia 1939
• Passenger List, Dorcas Savage Portaferry to New Brunswick, 1819
• Passengers of The Brig Jessie, 1830
• Perished on Board the Athenia, 1939 (Northern Whig 5th Sept., 1939)
• Emigrants from Counties Antrim and Londonderry, 1830s
• Passenger Lists, 1803 – Newry, County Down to USA
• Birth, Marriage and Death Notices Published in Local Newspapers, Journals and Memoirs, 1785-1889 (Antrim & Down) – 316 records

This database includes notices that appeared in a range of local publications from the late eighteenth century to the late nineteenth century. In addition to the name of the individual appearing in the notice, the person’s place of residence and occupation may also be given. It has been prepared by transcribing the following sources:

• Belfast Medical Society Obituaries, 1825-50
• Belfast Literary Journal, 1816
• The Microscope, 1799-1800
• Memoirs of Downpatrick and its Parish Church, 1852

 Tenant farmers on different estates in Ulster, 1651-1903 (Antrim & Down) – 2314 records

This database provides an index to tenant farmers working on different estates across the province of Ulster between 1651 and 1903. It has been prepared by transcribing the following sources:

• Lairn’ [Larne] alias Gardenmore in the County of Antrim as surveyed in the year 1735 by Archibald Stewart (Old Map of Larne Estate)
• Rental of the Rowan Estate, County Antrim (PRONI, D/1835/15B)
• Hertford Estate Rent Roll, 1728
• Names of tenants and townlands on Skinners’ Company estate, County Londonderry (PRONI)
• Antrim estate leases for Ballymoney, 1705-1895
• Index to 18th-Century Tenant Farmers,1750-1781 (Belfast Newsletter)
• Index to lessees in Newry from the Kilmorey estate papers (PRONI, D2638/B)
• Brownlow estate papers, PRONI (D/1928), Registry of Deeds, Dublin, and Belfast Newsletter
• Tenants on the Blackwood Estate in County Down, 1741 (PRONI) T/808/15009
• Rent Roll of the Clanbrassil Estate, County Down (The Hamilton Manuscripts, ed. T. K. Lowry (Belfast, 1867)

Matriculated and Non-Matriculated Students (Antrim) – 949 records

 This database includes the names and year of entrance for matriculated, and non-matriculated students, at Queen’s College, Belfast between 1849 and 1860. In some instances, the address, religious profession and faculty will also be included alongside the name of the student.

Freeholder Index (Antrim & Down) – 1728 records

This index combines a number of databases and sources, listing freeholders registered to vote in Counties Antrim and Down between 1747 and 1837. The index includes the name and residence of the freeholder and location of freehold. The name of the candidates to whom the elector gave his votes may also be included (remembering that each elector could vote for two candidates in county elections). It should also be borne in mind that Catholics were not permitted to vote between the late 1720s and 1793.

Included in this database are the following sources:

• Index to the Freeholders registered to vote in elections, Co. Antrim 1776
• Index to the Freeholders registered to vote in elections, Co. Down, 1832-1837.

To search these records, go to Roots Ireland and Login or Subscribe as required. Select the county in question, click on ‘Census Substitutes …’ and you can select an individual source.