Ireland Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

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Archives collect and preserve public records and historical documents. Libraries collect mostly published sources, such as books, maps, and microfilm. This section describes the archives, libraries, and other centers that serve as Ireland's major repositories of genealogical and historical sources.
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Many resources for Irish research are available on the Internet. Other sources are available only in archives and libraries in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A Web page on the Genealogy of the United Kingdom and Ireland (GenUKI) at [http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/irl/#Archives www.genuki.org.uk/big/irl/#Archives] summarizes national and local collections.


Contact information, including links to individual Web sites, for archives, libraries and specialized places are found on the Archon directory at [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/ www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/]. Some of the Web sites may have online catalogs.
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*'''Archives''' collect and preserve '''original documents''' of organizations such as churches or governments. '''Libraries''' generally collect '''published sources''' such as books, maps, and microfilm.
*'''If you plan to visit a repository, contact them''' and ask for information about their collection, hours, services, and fees. Ask if they require you to have a reader’s ticket (a paper indicating you are a responsible researcher) to view the records, and ask how to obtain one.
*Although the records you need may be in an archive or library, the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog '''FamilySearch Library'''] may have microfilmed and/or digitized copies of them.
==National Archives==
Both the National Archives (Ireland) and the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland collect records for all of Ireland. Neither staff does major research for patrons, but both may conduct brief searches if you supply them with sufficient information. <br>
|[[Image:1024px-National Library of Ireland 2011.JPG|right|400px|1024px-National Library of Ireland 2011.JPG]]
|}
===[http://www.nationalarchives.ie/ National Archives, Republic of Ireland]===
Bishop Street <br>Dublin D08 DF85 <br>Ireland (Eire) <br> [mailto:mail@nationalarchives.ie  mail@nationalarchives.ie]<br> [http://www.nationalarchives.ie/ Website]


If you plan to visit one of the repositories discussed, write and ask about its collections, hours, services, and fees a few months in advance. Also ask if a reader's ticket (a paper indicating you are a responsible researcher) is required to view the records, and ask how to obtain one.
The National Archives was created in 1988 by merging the State Paper Office (created in 1702) and the Public Record Office of Ireland (created in 1867). Records at the National Archives include Church of Ireland parish records, gravestone inscriptions, census returns, probate records, deeds, Tithe Applotment books, rebellion and outrage papers, convict reference files, and other historical and genealogical sources. Some records, or indexes, have been digitized and are searchable on the archives' website.<br>


Remember the Family History Library may have printed or microfilmed copies of the records you need, so check its holdings before you go abroad.
===[http://www.proni.gov.uk/ Public Record Office of Northern Ireland] (PRONI)===
2 Titanic Boulevard <br>Belfast BT3 9HQ <br>Northern Ireland<br>[mailto:proni@dcalni.gov.uk proni@dcalni.gov.uk]<br>[http://www.proni.gov.uk/ Website]<br><Br>
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland has a fairly complete collection of church records (all denominations) for all of Northern Ireland as well as some records for the counties of Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan. The office's holdings also include estate papers, gravestone inscriptions, census records, Tithe Applotment books, valuation lists, and other historical and genealogical sources.  Some records, or indexes, have been digitized and are searchable on the PRONI website.<br>


=== English Repositories ===
==Religious Archives==
'''Church of Ireland RCB Library'''<br>
Braemor Park<br>
Churchtown<br>
Dublin 14<br>
D14 N735<br>
<br>


Because England ruled Ireland for much of its history, many records pertaining to the Irish are found in English repositories. The major English archives that have Irish records are:
Tel: +353 (0)1 492 3979<br>
Email: library@ireland.anglican.org <br>
*[https://store.ireland.anglican.org/genealogy Request a Search]<br>
*[https://www.ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/AboutUs/library/registers/ParishRegisters/PARISHREGISTERS.pdf List of Parish Registers]


'''The National Archives<br />'''Ruskin Avenue, Kew <br />Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU <br />ENGLAND<br />Internet: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
==Libraries==


'''British Library, <br />Department of Western Manuscripts'''<br />Great Russell Street <br />London WCIB 3DG<br />ENGLAND<br />Internet: http://www.bl.uk/collections/manuscripts.html
===[http://www.nli.ie/en/homepage.aspx National Library of Ireland]===
Kildare Street <br>Dublin 2 <br>Ireland (Eire) <br> [mailto:info@nli.ie info@nli.ie]<br> [http://www.nli.ie/en/homepage.aspx Website]<br>[https://www.nli.ie/en/genealogy-advisory-service.aspx Family History Service]


'''British Library, <br />India Office Library and Records'''<br />197 Blackfriars Road <br />London SEI 8NG <br />ENGLAND<br />Internet: http://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/oioc.py
The National Library is Ireland's main repository of filmed Catholic parish registers. Other records on deposit at the National Library include newspapers, city and regional directories, estate records, the Householders Index, and Griffith's Primary Valuation. The library's staff does not do commissioned searches. An online database, [http://sources.nli.ie/ Sources: a National Library of Ireland database for Irish Research] should be searched before visiting the library.<br>
----
===The National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications===
'''National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications'''<br>
17 Donegall Square North<br>
Belfast BT1 5GB<br>
Northern Ireland<br>
<br>
Telephone: +44 (0)28 9032 1707<br>
E-mail: info@linenhall.com<br>
[https://www.linenhall.com/collections/national-collection-of-northern-ireland-publications/ NIPR Website]<br>
:NIPR (formerly known as the Northern Ireland Publications Resource) is Northern Ireland’s '''National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications''', a systematic collection and catalogue of all books, journals, pamphlets and reports published in Northern Ireland. As Northern Ireland has no National Library, no local institution is legally responsible for collecting all material published in Northern Ireland. Prior to the creation of NIPR, there was no reliable way of finding out what was published in Northern Ireland, who was collecting it, and where it was held.
<br>
:With funding from the British Library, the Library and Information Services Council for Northern Ireland set out to redress the situation and officially launched the Northern Ireland Publications Resource (NIPR) in October 2000. The aim of the project was to collect every book, pamphlet, journal and periodical published in Northern Ireland since January 2000, preserving them for posterity and make them available for consultation by the general public. After a successful initial two-year pilot scheme, further funding was provided by the Northern Ireland Executive to continue the scheme.
<br>
'''The Linen Hall Library, Belfast, is our lead partner, provide assistance with collecting and preserving the collection, and a dedicated repository has been set up within the Linen Hall Library to house the collection.'''<ref>"NIPR, National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications", The Linen Hall, https://www.linenhall.com/, accessed 22 December 2022.</ref>
----
===Heritage Collection, Belfast Central Library===
'''Heritage Collection'''<br>
Belfast Central Library<br>
Royal Avenue<br>
Belfast<br>
BT1 1EA<br>
Northern Ireland<br>
<br>
Telephone: 028 9050 9156<br>
E-mail: belfast.heritage@librariesni.org.uk<br>
[https://www.librariesni.org.uk/media/punbsnpa/belfast-heritage-leaflet.pdf Collection Information]
:The largest Cultural Heritage collection in Libraries NI is located in Belfast Central Library. As well as material relating to all of Ireland much of this collection relates to Belfast specifically.<br>
[https://www.librariesni.org.uk/resources/cultural-heritage/cultural-heritage-collections/belfast-central-library/newspaper-library-belfast-central-library/ Newspaper Library]
:[https://www.librariesni.org.uk/media/05sfvfvn/microfilm-list-for-libraries-ni.pdf List of microfilmed newspapers]
:The largest collection of local newspapers in Northern Ireland is held in the Newspaper library in Belfast Central Library. Ranging in date from the 18th century to the present day the newspaper collection includes almost complete runs of the Belfast newspaper titles, most notably the Belfast Newsletter from 1759, as well as a large range of provincial newspaper titles from every county in Northern Ireland and some from the Republic of Ireland.


'''British Library, Newspaper Library'''<br />Colindale Avenue <br />London NW9 5HE <br />ENGLAND<br />Internet: http://www.bl.uk/collections/newspapers.html
==Public Libraries and Museums==
*Each county and most major cities in Ireland have a main library. Many of these libraries have a local and family history collection. These collections may include estate records, newspapers, gravestone inscriptions, minute books of various local and county government agencies, poor law records, family pedigrees, and histories. Some libraries have indexed parts of their collections.
*County or specialty museums may also contain genealogical records, including estate, military, tax, church, and business or employment records.
*Other archives also contain information of genealogical value. Three such archives are described below.
===Linen Hall Library===
17 Donegall Square North <br>Belfast BT1 5GB <br>NORTHERN IRELAND<br> [mailto:info@linenhall.com info@linenhall.com] <br>[http://www.linenhall.com/ Website]<br>
:The Linen Hall Library has an extensive collection of genealogical and heraldic material. Some of its holdings are duplicated in other repositories such as the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the National Library of Ireland, and the National Archives. Others of its holdings, such as its printed family histories, are unique.
===Trinity College Library===
College Street <br>Dublin 2 <br>IRELAND (EIRE)<br>[mailto:dutylibrarian@tcd.ie dutylibrarian@tcd.ie] <br>[http://www.tcd.ie/Library/ Website]
:Among other genealogical and historical records, the Manuscripts Department of Trinity College Library has a collection of medieval manuscripts, the 1798 rebellion papers, and some Church of Ireland parish records for Dublin.
===National University of Ireland===
49 Merrion Square,<Br>  
Dublin 2,<br>
Tel: +353 (1) 439 2424<br>
Fax: +353 (1) 439 2466 <Br>
[mailto:registrar@nui.ie registrar@nui.ie]<br>
[http://www.nui.ie/ Website]
:The Library is associated with the main University campus, and has extended archives and archival services.


Records dealing with the Irish may be found in other English archives as well.
===The Queen's University of Belfast===
University Rd,<Br>
Belfast BT7 1NN,<br>
United Kingdom<br>
[http://www.qub.ac.uk/ Website]
:The Library of the Queen's University has extensive archival records relating to the Northern Counties of Ireland.  It is also the repository of most religious records that are Protestant in nature.


=== Irish Repositories ===
==England Repositories==
Because England ruled Ireland for much of its history, many records pertaining to the Irish are found in English repositories. The major English archives that have Irish records are: <br>
===The National Archives===
[[Image:The National Archives, England.jpg|thumb|right]]Bessant Drive, Kew <br>Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU <br>ENGLAND<br>[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Website]<br>


Ireland has five major types of repositories that contain genealogical information:
===British Library, <br>Department of Western Manuscripts===
96 Euston Rd,<br> London NW1 2DB,<br> United Kingdom<br>[mailto:Customer-Services@bl.uk Customer-Services@bl.uk]<br>[http://www.bl.uk/index.shtml# British Library] (then click on collections and then any Manuscripts button) <br>


* National archives and libraries
===British Library, <br>India Office Library and Records===
197 Blackfriars Road <br>London SEI 8NG <br>ENGLAND<br> [mailto:Customer-Services@bl.uk  Customer-Services@bl.uk]
<br>[http://www.bl.uk/collection-guides/india-office-records Website] <br>


* Public libraries and museums
===British Library, Newspaper Library===
The British Library<br>
96 Euston Road<br>
London<br>
NW1 2DB<br>[mailto:Customer-Services@bl.uk Customer-Services@bl.uk]<br>[http://www.bl.uk/index.shtml Website] (then click on collections and then Digitized British newspapers)


* Religious archives
==Websites==
'''The Irish Archives Resource '''<br>[https://iar.ie/explore-all-archives-new/ Website]
:IAR is an online service for finding records. We do not hold any collections but thanks to our contributors we can help researchers find out where records are held and how to access them.<br>
----
[https://www.emeraldancestors.com/northern-ireland-ancestor-search '''Emerald Ancestors'''] index ($)
:Its database includes a selection of parish baptism registers covering the period 1796 to 1924, and parish marriage registers from 1823 to 1901 for the six counties that now make up Northern Ireland.
:The death records collection is made up of graveyard inscriptions, burial registers and a comprehensive index from the Irish Wills Calendars for the six counties plus Donegal, Louth and Monaghan.
:In addition, it holds extracts from the 1841 and 1851 Irish census as well as 'church censuses' and school registers.
Foster, Janet, and Julia Sheppard. ''British Archives: A Guide to Archive Resources in the United Kingdom''. 3rd ed. New York, New York: Macmillan Publishers, 1995. (FS Library book Ref {{FSC|754083|title-id|disp=942 J54f 1995}};) This guide lists the addresses, major records, and publications of several repositories in Northern Ireland. The guide is indexed by county and by type of collection.
----
[https://www.ancestryireland.com/ '''Ulster Historical Foundation''']($)
:Search over 2 million records incl. birth, death & marriages (BMD), census records, street directories and more.


* Heritage or genealogical centres
== General Guides  ==
Grenham, John. ''"''Research Services, Societies and Repositories''." In Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: The Complete Guide.'' This chapter lists the names, addresses, phone numbers, and hours of various repositories in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
----
Helferty, Seamus, and Raymond Refausse, eds. ''Directory of Irish Archives.'' 5th ed. Blackrock, Ireland: Irish Academic Press, 2011, (FS Library book Ref [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/3048895 Directory of Irish Archives].) This book alphabetically lists for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland each repository, its address, its major record holdings, and any guides to its collections. The book is indexed by county and by record subject.


* Other archives
==References==
<references/>


=== '''National Archives and Libraries''' ===


'''The National Archives and the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland'''. Both the National Archives and the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland collect records for all of Ireland. Neither staff does major research for patrons, but both may conduct brief searches if you supply them with sufficient information.
[[Category:Ireland Archives and Libraries]]
 
The National Archives contains records previously held by the Public Record Office at Four Courts, Dublin and by the State Paper Office in Dublin (neither of which exists today). Records at the National Archives include Church of Ireland parish records, gravestone inscriptions, census returns, probate records, deeds, Tithe Applotment books, rebellion and outrage papers, convict reference files, and other historical and genealogical sources. The address is:
 
'''National Archives <br />'''Bishop Street <br />Dublin 8 <br />IRELAND (EIRE)<br />Internet: http://www.nationalarchives.ie/
 
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland has a fairly complete collection of church records (all denominations) for all of Northern Ireland as well as some records for the counties of Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan. The office's holdings also include estate papers, gravestone inscriptions, census records, Tithe Applotment books, valuation lists, and other historical and genealogical sources. The address is:
 
'''Public Record Office of Northern Ireland <br />'''66 Balmoral Avenue <br />Belfast BT9 6NY <br />NORTHERN IRELAND<br />Internet: http://www.proni.gov.uk/
 
'''National Library of Ireland.''' The National Library is Ireland's main repository of filmed Catholic parish registers. Other records on deposit at the National Library include newspapers, city and regional directories, estate records, the Householders Index, and Griffith's Primary Valuation. The library's staff does not do commissioned searches. The address is:
 
'''National Library of Ireland <br />'''Kildare Street <br />Dublin 2 <br />IRELAND (EIRE)<br />Internet: http://www.nli.ie/
 
'''Genealogical Office.''' The records of the Genealogical Office deal mainly with heraldry. The office's holdings include information extracted from records that were destroyed when the Public Record Office burned.
 
The records of the Genealogical Office are not available to the public. Some of the records, however, have been microfilmed and these films may be available at other repositories. The office does not do commissioned research. The office does provide a consultation service that gives detailed guidance, for a fee, to people who are doing research on their own families. For more information on the Genealogical Office, see the chapter by that name in:
 
Grenham, John. ''Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: The Complete Guide''. Dublin, Ireland: Gill and Macmillan, 1992. (FHL book Ref 941.5 D27gj.)
 
The address is:
 
'''Genealogical Office <br />'''2 Kildare Street <br />Dublin 2 <br />IRELAND (EIRE)<br />Internet: http://www.nli.ie/h_genoff.htm
 
=== Public Libraries and Museums ===
 
Each county and most major cities in Ireland have a main library. Many of these libraries have a local and family history collection. These collections may include estate records, newspapers, gravestone inscriptions, minute books of various local and county government agencies, poor law records, family pedigrees, and histories. Some libraries have indexed parts of their collections.
 
County or specialty museums may also contain genealogical records, including estate, military, tax, church, and business or employment records. For addresses of Irish libraries and museums, see Helferty, Seamus, and Raymond Refausse, eds. ''Directory of Irish Archives.'' 2nd ed. Blackrock, Ireland: Irish Academic Press, 1993, (FHL book Ref 941.5 A34h, 1993.)
 
=== Religious Archives ===
 
Religious archives contain records of a particular denomination. Several Irish religious archives and their addresses are listed in the "[[Ireland Church Records|Church Records]]" section of this outline.
 
=== Heritage or Genealogical Centres ===
 
Local heritage centres, sometimes called genealogical centres, are a recent development in Ireland. These centres are currently indexing church records, mainly Catholic parish registers. Some centres are also indexing Tithe Applotment books, Griffith's Primary Valuation, the 1901 census, and gravestone inscriptions. The centres are computerizing their indexes.
 
Centre records are not open to the public. Centre staff, however, will search their indexes and supply information for a fee. For more information about the heritage centres, see:
 
''Directory of Parish Registers Indexed in Ireland. ''Naas, Ireland: Irish Family History Society, 1992. (FHL book Ref 941.5 K23d.) This work provides a county by county list of centres, including addresses, phone numbers, and descriptions of the records each centre has indexed.
 
=== Other Archives ===
 
Other archives also contain information of genealogical value. Three such archives are described below. Others are discussed in the books listed under General Guides below.
 
'''Linen Hall Library.''' The Linen Hall Library has an extensive collection of genealogical and heraldic material. Some of its holdings are duplicated in other repositories such as the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the National Library of Ireland, and the National Archives. Others of its holdings, such as its printed family histories, are unique. The address is:
 
'''Linen Hall Library <br />'''17 Donegall Square North <br />Belfast BT1 5GD <br />NORTHERN IRELAND <br />Internet: http://www.linenhall.com/
 
'''Trinity College Library.''' Among other genealogical and historical records, the Manuscripts Department of Trinity College Library has a collection of medieval manuscripts, the 1798 rebellion papers, and some Church of Ireland parish records for Dublin. The address is:
 
'''Trinity College Library <br />'''College Street <br />Dublin 2 <br />IRELAND (EIRE) <br />Internet: http://www.tcd.ie/Library/
 
'''Valuation Office.''' The Valuation Office holds the Griffith's Primary Valuation records and accompanying maps (see the "[[Ireland Taxation|Taxation]]" section of this outline). The office's post-1868 valuation records and maps are of the Republic of Ireland only. The address is:
 
'''Valuation Office <br />'''6 Ely Place <br />Dublin 2 <br />IRELAND (EIRE)''' '''<br />Internet: http://www.valoff.ie/
 
=== General Guides ===
 
Guides to archives and libraries in Ireland and Northern Ireland include:
 
Foster, Janet, and Julia Sheppard.'' British Archives: A Guide to Archive Resources in the United Kingdom''. 3rd ed. New York, New York: Macmillan Publishers, 1995. (FHL book Ref 942 J54f 1995; microfilm number 763911.) This guide lists the addresses, major records, and publications of several repositories in Northern Ireland. The guide is indexed by county and by type of collection.
 
Grenham, John. ''"''Research Services, Societies and Repositories''." In Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: The Complete Guide.''  This chapter lists the names, addresses, phone numbers, and hours of various repositories in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
 
Helferty, Seamus, and Raymond Refausse, eds. ''Directory of Irish Archives.'' 2nd ed. Blackrock, Ireland: Irish Academic Press, 1993, (FHL book Ref 941.5 A34h, 1993.)  This book alphabetically lists for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland each repository, its address, its major record holdings, and any guides to its collections. The book is indexed by county and by record subject.
 
=== Inventories, Registers, Catalogs ===
 
Many archives have inventories, registers, catalogs, guides, directories, or periodicals that describe the archive's records and how to use them. If possible, study these guides before visiting an archive so that you can use your time there more effectively.
 
Some indexes to holdings in Irish archives are:
 
Hayes, Richard J. ''Manuscript Sources for the History of Irish Civilisation''. 11 vols. Boston, Massachusetts: G. K. Hall &amp; Co., 1965. (FHL book Ref Q 941.5 A5h; film 1,440,939-43.)
 
Hayes, Richard J.'' Sources for the'' ''History of Irish Civilisation: Articles in Irish Periodicals.'' 9 vols. Boston, Massachusetts: G. K. Hall and Co., 1970. (FHL book Ref Q 941.5 A5ha; film 973,222-30.)
 
Hayes, Richard J. ''Manuscript Sources for the History of Irish Civilisation: First Supplement, 1965-1975''. 3 vols. Boston, Massachusetts: G. K. Hall &amp; Co., 1979. (FHL book Ref Q 941.5 A5h 1st supp.)
 
These volumes index manuscripts, periodicals, and major collections of Irish interest deposited at the National Library before 1975. They also index many records in other repositories, public and private, in Ireland, Britain, and elsewhere. The indexes are arranged by person, subject, place, date, and manuscript. Throughout the rest of this outline, these volumes will be referred to as Hayes's Sources.
 
A growing microfiche collection of guides and finding aids (including many unpublished finding aids) for various Irish archives, libraries, and museums is:
 
''National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland.'' Cambridge, England: Chadwyck-Healey, 1986-87. This inventory gives a description and the exact reference numbers of the collections in many repositories throughout Ireland. The inventory can thus help in locating documents that pertain to your research. The Family History Library's copy of the inventory is listed in the Author/Title Search of the microfiche catalog under NATIONAL INVENTORY OF DOCUMENTARY SOURCES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND.
 
A name and subject index to the National Inventory is on microfiche (London, England: Chadwyck-Healey, 1995-; FHL fiche 6341118). This index includes a list of finding aids and an alphabetical list of repositories.
 
Additional archive and library inventories, guides, catalogs, and other finding aids available at the Family History Library are listed in the Place Search of the catalog under the following headings:
 
IRELAND - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
 
IRELAND, [COUNTY] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
 
IRELAND, [COUNTY], [CITY] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
 
=== Web Sites ===
 
http://www.nationalarchives.ie/
 
http://irishnewspaperarchives.com/
 
http://homepage.eircom.net/~seanjmurphy/nai/
 
http://www.archives.ie/irish_arch3.html

Latest revision as of 11:53, 20 March 2024


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  • Archives collect and preserve original documents of organizations such as churches or governments. Libraries generally collect published sources such as books, maps, and microfilm.
  • If you plan to visit a repository, contact them and ask for information about their collection, hours, services, and fees. Ask if they require you to have a reader’s ticket (a paper indicating you are a responsible researcher) to view the records, and ask how to obtain one.
  • Although the records you need may be in an archive or library, the FamilySearch Library may have microfilmed and/or digitized copies of them.

National Archives[edit | edit source]

Both the National Archives (Ireland) and the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland collect records for all of Ireland. Neither staff does major research for patrons, but both may conduct brief searches if you supply them with sufficient information.

1024px-National Library of Ireland 2011.JPG

National Archives, Republic of Ireland[edit | edit source]

Bishop Street
Dublin D08 DF85
Ireland (Eire)
mail@nationalarchives.ie
Website

The National Archives was created in 1988 by merging the State Paper Office (created in 1702) and the Public Record Office of Ireland (created in 1867). Records at the National Archives include Church of Ireland parish records, gravestone inscriptions, census returns, probate records, deeds, Tithe Applotment books, rebellion and outrage papers, convict reference files, and other historical and genealogical sources. Some records, or indexes, have been digitized and are searchable on the archives' website.

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)[edit | edit source]

2 Titanic Boulevard
Belfast BT3 9HQ
Northern Ireland
proni@dcalni.gov.uk
Website

The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland has a fairly complete collection of church records (all denominations) for all of Northern Ireland as well as some records for the counties of Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan. The office's holdings also include estate papers, gravestone inscriptions, census records, Tithe Applotment books, valuation lists, and other historical and genealogical sources. Some records, or indexes, have been digitized and are searchable on the PRONI website.

Religious Archives[edit | edit source]

Church of Ireland RCB Library
Braemor Park
Churchtown
Dublin 14
D14 N735

Tel: +353 (0)1 492 3979
Email: library@ireland.anglican.org

Libraries[edit | edit source]

National Library of Ireland[edit | edit source]

Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland (Eire)
info@nli.ie
Website
Family History Service

The National Library is Ireland's main repository of filmed Catholic parish registers. Other records on deposit at the National Library include newspapers, city and regional directories, estate records, the Householders Index, and Griffith's Primary Valuation. The library's staff does not do commissioned searches. An online database, Sources: a National Library of Ireland database for Irish Research should be searched before visiting the library.

The National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications[edit | edit source]

National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications
17 Donegall Square North
Belfast BT1 5GB
Northern Ireland

Telephone: +44 (0)28 9032 1707
E-mail: info@linenhall.com
NIPR Website

NIPR (formerly known as the Northern Ireland Publications Resource) is Northern Ireland’s National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications, a systematic collection and catalogue of all books, journals, pamphlets and reports published in Northern Ireland. As Northern Ireland has no National Library, no local institution is legally responsible for collecting all material published in Northern Ireland. Prior to the creation of NIPR, there was no reliable way of finding out what was published in Northern Ireland, who was collecting it, and where it was held.


With funding from the British Library, the Library and Information Services Council for Northern Ireland set out to redress the situation and officially launched the Northern Ireland Publications Resource (NIPR) in October 2000. The aim of the project was to collect every book, pamphlet, journal and periodical published in Northern Ireland since January 2000, preserving them for posterity and make them available for consultation by the general public. After a successful initial two-year pilot scheme, further funding was provided by the Northern Ireland Executive to continue the scheme.


The Linen Hall Library, Belfast, is our lead partner, provide assistance with collecting and preserving the collection, and a dedicated repository has been set up within the Linen Hall Library to house the collection.[1]

Heritage Collection, Belfast Central Library[edit | edit source]

Heritage Collection
Belfast Central Library
Royal Avenue
Belfast
BT1 1EA
Northern Ireland

Telephone: 028 9050 9156
E-mail: belfast.heritage@librariesni.org.uk
Collection Information

The largest Cultural Heritage collection in Libraries NI is located in Belfast Central Library. As well as material relating to all of Ireland much of this collection relates to Belfast specifically.

Newspaper Library

List of microfilmed newspapers
The largest collection of local newspapers in Northern Ireland is held in the Newspaper library in Belfast Central Library. Ranging in date from the 18th century to the present day the newspaper collection includes almost complete runs of the Belfast newspaper titles, most notably the Belfast Newsletter from 1759, as well as a large range of provincial newspaper titles from every county in Northern Ireland and some from the Republic of Ireland.

Public Libraries and Museums[edit | edit source]

  • Each county and most major cities in Ireland have a main library. Many of these libraries have a local and family history collection. These collections may include estate records, newspapers, gravestone inscriptions, minute books of various local and county government agencies, poor law records, family pedigrees, and histories. Some libraries have indexed parts of their collections.
  • County or specialty museums may also contain genealogical records, including estate, military, tax, church, and business or employment records.
  • Other archives also contain information of genealogical value. Three such archives are described below.

Linen Hall Library[edit | edit source]

17 Donegall Square North
Belfast BT1 5GB
NORTHERN IRELAND
info@linenhall.com
Website

The Linen Hall Library has an extensive collection of genealogical and heraldic material. Some of its holdings are duplicated in other repositories such as the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the National Library of Ireland, and the National Archives. Others of its holdings, such as its printed family histories, are unique.

Trinity College Library[edit | edit source]

College Street
Dublin 2
IRELAND (EIRE)
dutylibrarian@tcd.ie
Website

Among other genealogical and historical records, the Manuscripts Department of Trinity College Library has a collection of medieval manuscripts, the 1798 rebellion papers, and some Church of Ireland parish records for Dublin.

National University of Ireland[edit | edit source]

49 Merrion Square,
Dublin 2,
Tel: +353 (1) 439 2424
Fax: +353 (1) 439 2466
registrar@nui.ie
Website

The Library is associated with the main University campus, and has extended archives and archival services.

The Queen's University of Belfast[edit | edit source]

University Rd,
Belfast BT7 1NN,
United Kingdom
Website

The Library of the Queen's University has extensive archival records relating to the Northern Counties of Ireland. It is also the repository of most religious records that are Protestant in nature.

England Repositories[edit | edit source]

Because England ruled Ireland for much of its history, many records pertaining to the Irish are found in English repositories. The major English archives that have Irish records are:

The National Archives[edit | edit source]

The National Archives, England.jpg

Bessant Drive, Kew
Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU
ENGLAND
Website

British Library,
Department of Western Manuscripts[edit | edit source]

96 Euston Rd,
London NW1 2DB,
United Kingdom
Customer-Services@bl.uk
British Library (then click on collections and then any Manuscripts button)

British Library,
India Office Library and Records[edit | edit source]

197 Blackfriars Road
London SEI 8NG
ENGLAND
Customer-Services@bl.uk
Website

British Library, Newspaper Library[edit | edit source]

The British Library
96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB
Customer-Services@bl.uk
Website (then click on collections and then Digitized British newspapers)

Websites[edit | edit source]

The Irish Archives Resource
Website

IAR is an online service for finding records. We do not hold any collections but thanks to our contributors we can help researchers find out where records are held and how to access them.

Emerald Ancestors index ($)

Its database includes a selection of parish baptism registers covering the period 1796 to 1924, and parish marriage registers from 1823 to 1901 for the six counties that now make up Northern Ireland.
The death records collection is made up of graveyard inscriptions, burial registers and a comprehensive index from the Irish Wills Calendars for the six counties plus Donegal, Louth and Monaghan.
In addition, it holds extracts from the 1841 and 1851 Irish census as well as 'church censuses' and school registers.

Foster, Janet, and Julia Sheppard. British Archives: A Guide to Archive Resources in the United Kingdom. 3rd ed. New York, New York: Macmillan Publishers, 1995. (FS Library book Ref 942 J54f 1995;) This guide lists the addresses, major records, and publications of several repositories in Northern Ireland. The guide is indexed by county and by type of collection.

Ulster Historical Foundation($)

Search over 2 million records incl. birth, death & marriages (BMD), census records, street directories and more.

General Guides[edit | edit source]

Grenham, John. "Research Services, Societies and Repositories." In Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: The Complete Guide. This chapter lists the names, addresses, phone numbers, and hours of various repositories in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Helferty, Seamus, and Raymond Refausse, eds. Directory of Irish Archives. 5th ed. Blackrock, Ireland: Irish Academic Press, 2011, (FS Library book Ref Directory of Irish Archives.) This book alphabetically lists for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland each repository, its address, its major record holdings, and any guides to its collections. The book is indexed by county and by record subject.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "NIPR, National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications", The Linen Hall, https://www.linenhall.com/, accessed 22 December 2022.

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