An Introduction to
Third Edition
July 2002
The third edition has been expanded and updated. In addition to the five basic records (Census, Civil, Parish, Primary Valuation and Tithe Books), reference to additional genealogical records from the sixteenth century is included. In addition to the principal repositories in Ireland, reference is made to repositories in: Britain; United States; Canada; Australia; New Zealand; and South Africa. In all cases with respect to repositories location; telephone; fax; opening times; fees; and websites are given. Basic information with respect to the hundred most numerous surnames in Ireland and county distribution of surnames is given. With respect to the keeping of family records there is reference to links that make genealogical forms available.
ISBN 1 871509 44.0 Pck
Chapter 1 Introduction to genealogical research 1
Chapter 2 Census Returns 5
Chapter 3 Civil Registration 9
Chapter 4 Parish Registers 13
Chapter 5 Primary Valuation of Tenements 17
Chapter 6 Tithe Composition and Applotment Books 19
Chapter 7 Additional Genealogical Records 21
Chapter 8 National Library of Ireland 37
Office of the Chief Herald
Chapter 9 National Archives 43
State Paper Office
Chapter 10 Public Records Office, Belfast 47
Chapter 11 Offices of the Registrar-General’s 50
Chapter 12 Registry of Deeds 53
Chapter 13 Other Repositories of Records 55
Royal Irish Academy
Linen Hall Library
Irish Land Commission
Land Valuation Office
Representative Church Body Library
Presbyterian Historical Society Library
Religious Society of Friend’s Library
Irish Jewish Museum
Dublin Local Studies Collection
Belfast Central Library
Centre for Migration Studies
Family Record Centre – London
Public Records Office
National Archives of Scotland
General Register Office for Scotland
National Library of Wales
Family History Library
National Archives of the United States
American Family Immigration Center
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Australia
Archives New Zealand
National Archives of South Africa
Chapter 14 Distribution of surnames 65
Chapter 15 Hundred most numerous surnames 70
Chapter 16 Keeping family records 73
An Introduction to Irish Ancestry is now available for Euro 9.95; £6.95stg.;$9.95 post free (surface mail); from:
Sean Quinn, 57 Glenoughty Close, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
First Edition
December 2000
* Seven hundred surnames
* Gaelic form
* English variants
* Septs
* Branches
* Territory of origin
* Distribution in Ireland
* Estimated number of bearers
* Frequency in England and Wales
* Frequency in Scotland
* Frequency in United States
ISBN 1 871509 39 4
Sean Quinn, 57 Glenoughty Close, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
If you wish general information on surnames go to
If you wish information and links on tracing your Irish ancestry go back to