Ireland Religion Unknown[edit | edit source]

Before 1864, church records are the primary source for birth, marriage, and death information. Knowing the religion is crucial in finding these records. If researching after 1864, see Civil Records.

Catholic or Protestant?[edit | edit source]

Catholic[edit | edit source]

Historically, about 80% of Ireland was Roman Catholic.

Roughly 90% of what is now the Republic of Ireland was Catholic.
To search: Ireland Catholic Guided Research.

If religion is unknown, start with researching Catholic records.

Protestant[edit | edit source]

Historically, about 20% of Ireland was Protestant.

The majority of Protestants were found in what is now Northern Ireland.
Less than 10% of what is now the Republic of Ireland was Protestant.
To search: Ireland Protestant Guided Research.

If religion is unknown, search Protestant records after Catholic records.