Family history
Tracing your family history
What are the search options?
Where can I find information about my ancestors?
What information would be helpful when searching for my ancestors?

What information would be helpful when searching for my ancestors?

Image: Headstone in the shape of a cross

The more information you can supply about your ancestors the easier it will be to check records. The most important details you will need are:

names
places of abode (such as townlands, parishes and counties)
date of birth
date of marriage
date of death
date of emigration, if relevant.

The religion and occupation of your ancestor may also be of use.

If you do not have this information to hand, try and find out as much as you can from relatives. It's always worth checking old family photographs which may have names and dates written on the back, or family bibles which often have important details, like births and deaths, inscribed inside. Local people could also check family gravestones for information.

If you are overseas, there are various online databases that may offer useful information too. The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and the Ulster Historical Foundation, for instance, have databases on their web sites. Some organisations, such as the Ulster Historical Foundation, will offer preliminary advice to start you on your way for a small fee and allow access to their own databases.