Irish genealogy news round-up, September 2025

In our Irish genealogy news round-ups, we share the latest developments and discoveries in Irish family history research, from newly digitized records and online tools to local projects and events. Highlights this month include new burial, church, land, school and census-substitute records from across Ireland, as well as expanded Irish newspaper collections on multiple subscription sites. There are also lots of upcoming webinars and advice sessions covering essential genealogy topics, along with special offers.

For a quick overview of some of the main news stories, watch our video below (just press play) or scroll down for the full round-up and in-depth updates.

New headstone records from across Ireland

New transcriptions and photographs of headstone inscriptions from eight graveyards were added to the volunteer-run, free-to-access Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) archive in July and August:

• Cavan: St Dympna’s graveyard, Lower Lavey
• Kerry: Cloghane (new) graveyard
• Kerry: John Paul II burial ground, Listowel
• Limerick: Abbeyfeale cemetery
• Wexford: Ardcolm Church of Ireland graveyard, Castlebridge
• Wexford: Clologue (St Brigid’s) graveyard
• Wexford: Kildavin graveyard, Deerpark, Murrintown
• Wexford: Limbrick Roman Catholic cemetery, Kilanerin

A new record set on the subscription site FindMyPast features transcriptions and images of headstone inscriptions and other memorials from across Ireland, taken from the Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland, published between 1888 and 1939. Compiled by volunteers to safeguard memorials that have since become worn away or lost, the journals capture names, ages and years of birth and death, along with full inscriptions that often include family relationships or the name of the person who commissioned the monument. The record set holds 42,328 records, and you can search it here.

Our official affiliate partner FindMyPast is currently offering up to 50% off its 12-month “Everything” subscription until 30 September. Subscribe here. (Ts&Cs apply.)

>>> RELATED: Tracing your roots online using old records of Irish gravestone memorials and “Mems Dead”

The subscription site Ancestry has updated its “Find a Grave Index” for Ireland and the UK, which offers an index of cemetery and burial details submitted by volunteers. Search the records here.

New burial records: Tipperary (free)

Tipperary Studies has made the first tranche of the digitized North Tipperary graveyard registers freely available on its website. This official collection of burial records from graveyards under the care of Tipperary County Council was compiled by local caretakers and covers interments from the 1940s to the present. Each entry provides key details such as the deceased’s name, address, date of burial and plot. The registers have been scanned but not transcribed, so searching them requires browsing through the images. The collection currently covers 22 graveyards:

• Ardcroney graveyard register, 1949–2021
• Ballinahinch graveyard register, 1949–2018
• Ballycahill graveyard register, 1959–2022
• Cooleeney graveyard register, 1949–2021
• Dorrha (Pallas) graveyard register, 1961–2015
• Drom graveyard register, 1948–2019
• Dromineer graveyard register, 1962–2025
• Glenkeen graveyard register, 1971–2004
• Killavenogue graveyard register, 1959–2019
• Killodernan graveyard register, 1983–2025
• Killoscully graveyard register, 1949–2025
• Kilnaneave graveyard register, 1949–2021
• Knigh graveyard register, 1949–2020
• Littleton graveyard register, 1985–2022
• Monsea graveyard register, 1949–2025
• Moycarkey (new) graveyard register, 1958–2022
• Moyne (new) graveyard register, 1956–2022
• Moyne (old) graveyard register, 1948–2015
• Rathnavogue graveyard register, 1948–2018
• Templekelly graveyard register, 1949–2019
• Templetuohy graveyard register, 1962–2022
• Timoney and Bawnadrum graveyard register, 1961–66

The registers can be explored here.

>>> YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Almost 100,000 searchable Cork burial records now available online for free

New church records from across Ireland

The free-to-access Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) archive added the following newly transcribed church records in July and August:

• Tyrone: Marriage records from the 2nd Presbyterian Church in Strabane, 1846–1921
• Donegal: Marriage records from Carnone Presbyterian Church, Donaghmore parish, 1845–1921

Two new record sets – one relating to baptisms and the other to marriages – on the subscription site FindMyPast draw from the Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland, which published transcriptions from parish registers (especially Church of Ireland registers) and newspaper announcements gathered by volunteers across Ireland.

The baptism records include the name of the baptized individual, the baptism date and the father’s name and sometimes the mother’s name and godparents’ names. You can search the baptism records here. The marriage records list the names of both spouses and the marriage date and may also note witnesses’ names, occupations and whether the marriage was by licence or banns. You can search the marriage records here.

Reminder: Our official affiliate partner FindMyPast is currently offering up to 50% off its 12-month “Everything” subscription until 30 September. Subscribe here. (Ts&Cs apply.)

A F F I L I A T E  A D

The latest edition of the List of Church of Ireland Parish Registers, published online in July by the RCB Library and the Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS), offers a colour-coded guide to what parish records survive, where they are held and what copies, transcripts and online indexes exist. Crucially, it also includes hyperlinks to online record sets. View the full list here.

New land records from across Ireland

The free-to-access Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) archive added a range of transcribed land records and related records in July and August:

• Galway: Tenants on the Quansbury (Quainsborough) estate in Kilquain parish, 1777–78
• Kildare: Tenants of Monasterevin, Fontstown (Fonstown) and Cadamstown on the Earl of Drogheda (Charles Moore) estate, 1728
• Kildare: Tenants on the William Tighe estate in Kilteel parish, 1825/26
• Limerick: Farmers on Maunsell land in Castletown parish, 1848/49
• Limerick: Flax growers on the Monteagle estate in the Shanagolden area, 1808
• Wexford: Labourers in Kilcavan parish on the Thomas Meyler estate in Harristown townland, 1850
• Wexford: Tenants in St Mary’s Newtownbarry parish on the Colclough estate in Curraduff (Coorduff) and Ballycreen, 1824

The subscription site Ulster Historical Foundation has recently expanded its collections with new records added to its register of tenants on estates across Ulster, covering the years 1651 to 1903. A full list of the estates included is available here.

The subscription site Ancestry has recently added records for the Ballynahinch estate in Co. Galway. This record set includes tenant records covering the years 1905–40 and visitor records from 1905–70, which provide details such as names, aliases, places of residence and travel dates. The tenant registers may also record the amount of land rented, its value and the annual rent. Search the records here.

New deed records from across Ireland (free)

The volunteer-run Registry of Deeds Index Project has now indexed 633,789 records from 65,047 memorials of deeds from across Ireland as of 13 August and 53,630 grantor index entries as of 3 August. The database is free to search here. About 90% of the entries in the database have a direct link to the relevant image of the record on FamilySearch.

Earlier this year, FamilySearch launched a new full-text search tool that uses AI-generated transcriptions and summaries to help locate ancestors in record collections that have not yet been transcribed and indexed. You can now explore the Registry of Deeds records using full-text search on FamilySearch here. Learn how to use the tool here. Remember, all FamilySearch records are free to access, but you need to create a free account and be logged in to search and view them.

New school records from across Ireland

The free-to-access Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) archive has added transcribed school records from Townavilly school (also known as Tawnawully or Tawnawilly) in Co. Donegal, dating to 1849. This was a tenantry school, established by the Commissioners of Education in Ireland for the children of tenants living in 14 townlands in this area. The names of 59 boys and 21 girls have now been cross-referenced with the 1901 census records. The transcribed records are available to view here.

The subscription site Ulster Historical Foundation has recently expanded its collections with new school records. A full list of the schools and colleges across Ulster covered in this record set is available here.

The subscription site Ancestry has recently added Mayo and Sligo school records, covering the years 1802–1928. This includes school registers, roll books and exam rolls, and provides details such as the pupil’s name, age, date of birth, place of residence and parents’ names and occupations. The records up to 1924 are in English, while those created after this date may be in the Irish language. Search the records here.

>>> RELATED: Find your ancestors in Ireland’s historical school records

New deserted children records: Wexford (free)

The free-to-access Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) archive has published a list of 111 deserted children in Co. Wexford, dating to 1846 at the onset of the Great Famine, whose care was supported by the county’s grand jury. The list also records the names of fosterers or carers. The transcriptions are available to view here.

These names also appear in A Schedule of Applications for Presentments Lodged with the Secretary to the Grand Jury, Previous to Spring Assizes, 1847. This volume, which contains more material of interest to genealogical researchers, has been digitized and can be viewed on the Wexford County Archive website here.

New constabulary records: Louth (free)

The free-to-access Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) archive has published transcribed constabulary records for Co. Louth, dating to 1823. The list names 60 policemen with their rank – high constables and sub-constables – who were paid by the Louth Grand Jury in that year. Each entry is linked to a district, generally corresponding to a parish and most also record the officer’s date of appointment. The transcriptions are available to view here.

The same list appears in A Copy of the Unaccounted for Queries and the Presentments Granted in the County of Louth (1823). This volume, which contains other material of interest to genealogical researchers, has been digitized and can be viewed on the Louth County Council website here.

New records on VRTI, including census substitutes (free)

On 30 June, to mark the 103rd anniversary of the fire that destroyed the Public Record Office of Ireland, the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland (VRTI) released 175,000 historical records online, including more than 60,000 names recovered from transcripts of destroyed 19th-century census returns. These searchable records provide unprecedented opportunities to trace Irish ancestry in sources once thought lost. The names are now searchable through the new “Population Portal” here.

>>> FULL STORY: 175,000 historical records released online on 103rd anniversary of Public Record Office fire

New free guide to census records

With the 1926 census of Ireland scheduled for release in April 2026, Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) has published the first in a series of guides to help researchers navigate Ireland’s census records. The guide is available to download free of charge here.

>>> FULL STORY: Expert guide to Irish census records available for free download ahead of 1926 census release

Ulster Historical Foundation – latest additions

The subscription site Ulster Historical Foundation has expanded its online collections over the summer with a wide range of newly added records. Searching is free for everyone, but only members can view the full records. New records include:

• Birth, marriage and death notices from newspapers, journals and memoirs, 1785–1889
• Death notices of Irish nationals in California and Nevada
• 1766 religious census, covering Ulster parishes
• Census of Bangor parish, 1861
• Census of Christchurch, Belfast, 1852
• Tenant farmers on Ulster estates, 1651–1903
• Tithe-payers in north Co. Antrim parishes, 1824–34
• Portaferry village tithe book, 1827
• Index of wills and testamentary papers, 1510–1878
• Ulster school registers, 1804–1946
• Return of paupers in Irish workhouses born in Britain, 1863
• Irish emigration records, 1773–1939
• Ireland–Australia transportation records, 1780–1867
• 18th-century Irish migrants who left from Bordeaux, France, 1713–87
• Act of Union petitions, 1799–1800
• Electoral registers and voter lists, 1697–1880
• Armagh prosecutions, 1735–75
• Subscribers of publications printed in Ireland, 1768–1887
• Supporters of and subscribers to charitable and public causes, 1781–1900
• Abattoir register of licensed butchers, Belfast, 1910–35
• Belfast Co-op coal consumers, 1947
• Address to Lord Gosford from the inhabitants of Co. Armagh, 1838
• Report on the state of Irish gaols, 1802
• High sheriffs of Ireland, 1577–1920
• Claimants for compensation for losses after the 1798 Rebellion

Ancestry – latest Irish additions

The subscription site Ancestry has expanded its Irish collections over July and August, adding new record sets and updating existing ones, including:

• Jury lists index, 1798–1898 (new)
• Infants born in Irish workhouses index, 1872–74 (new)
• Ireland, Poor Law Union removals from England, 1857–1879 (updated)
• Railway employment records, 1870–1940 (updated)
• Palatine German Immigration to Ireland, 1654–1878 (updated)
• UK and Ireland, Find a Grave Index, 1300s–current (updated)
• Ballynahinch estate records, Galway, 1905–40 (new)
• Mayo and Sligo school registers, 1802–1928 (new)

Irish newspapers

New database of Irish newspaper notices

The Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS) has launched a new online database of biographical entries drawn from Irish and Canadian newspapers dating from 1772 to 1900. Developed from a handwritten card index created by genealogist Patrick Smythe-Wood, the collection contains around 11,600 entries relating to some 20,000 individuals, many from Ulster and with a strong representation of Royal Irish Constabulary, military and customs officers.

Non-IGRS members can search the database free of charge to check for the prevalence of particular first name and surname combinations here. Full access to the database is available to logged-in IGRS members through the society’s “unique resources” page.

 >>> FULL STORY: New Irish newspaper database now live with searchable records from 1772 to 1900

Irish Newspaper Archives – latest additions

The subscription site Irish Newspaper Archives has continued to expand its collection, recently adding the following new editions:

• Kings County Chronicle (now known as Offaly Chronicle), 1845–1963
• Tullamore Tribune, 1978–current
• Tullamore Kings County Independent (later known as Offaly Independent), 1894–1919
• Midland Tribune, 1881–current

British Newspaper Archive – latest Irish additions

The subscription site British Newspaper Archive has continued to expand its Irish collection over the past month, adding several new titles together with additional issues for titles already in the collection:

• Armagh Guardian, published in Armagh, 1844–1965
• Belfast Linen Trade Circular, published in Belfast, 1857–85
• Cashel Sentinel (also known as The Cashel Sentinel and Weekly General Advertiser), published in Cashel, Co. Tipperary, 1889–96
• Cork Constitution (also known as Cork Advertiser; The Constitution), published in Cork, 1826–1904
• Enniscorthy News (also known as The Enniscorthy News and County of Wexford Advertiser), published in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, 1861–99
• Farmer’s Gazette and Journal of Practical Horticulture (also known as Irish Farmers’ Gazette and Journal of Practical Horticulture; The Farmers’ Gazette), published in Dublin, 1845–1922
• Irish Field (also known as Irish Sportsman and Farmer; The Irish Field and Gentleman’s Gazette), published in Dublin, 1881–1918
• Irish Jurist, published in Dublin, 1850–65
• Irish Liberator, published in London, 1863–64
• Irish News and Belfast Morning News, published in Belfast, 1892–1918
• Irish Tribune, published in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, 1884
• Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser, published in Kilkenny, 1832–1965
• Leinster Leader, published in Naas, Co. Kildare, 1882–2002
• Londonderry Standard (also known as The Derry Standard), published in Derry, 1836–1964
• Longford Journal (also known as The Longford Journal and Midland Times), published in Longford, 1839–1914
• Munster Express (also known as Weekly Commercial & Agricultural Gazette; The Munster Express and County Tipperary Independent; Munster Express and the Celt), published in Waterford, 1860–1913
• Nenagh Guardian (also known as The Nenagh Guardian or Tipperary (North Riding) and Ormond Advertiser), published in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, 1846–1918
• Newry Examiner and Louth Advertiser, published in Newry, Co. Down, 1832–77
• North Antrim Standard, published in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, 1921
• Northern Star (Belfast), published in Belfast, 1897–1908
• Northern Star 1792, published in Belfast, 1792–96
• Ulster Weekly News, published in Belfast, 1882
• Warder and Dublin Weekly Mail (also known as The Warder; The Warder and Weekly Mail; Irish Weekly Mail and Warder; Irish Weekly Mail and Sports Mail; Sports Mail and Irish Weekly Mail), published in Dublin, 1822–1938
• Waterford Citizen (also known as The Citizen and Waterford Commercial Record; The Waterford Citizen and Commercial Record; The Waterford Citizen and Bi-Weekly Advertiser; The Waterford Citizen, County News, and Bi-Weekly Advertiser), published in Waterford, 1862–96

A F F I L I A T E  A D

The archive now includes more than 290 Irish newspaper titles, with new titles and issues added regularly. The British Newspaper Archive is offering 25% off subscriptions until 30 September with the promo code SEPT2525. Subscribe here. The British Newspaper Archive can also be accessed with a FindMyPast subscription. FindMyPast is currently offering up to 50% off its 12-month “Everything” subscription until 30 September. Subscribe here.

Irish newspapers on MyHeritage

The subscription site MyHeritage has added a new collection this summer called “Ireland newspapers from OldNews.com”, which features national, regional and local titles dating from the late 1700s to 1900. OldNews.com is MyHeritage’s dedicated historical newspaper platform. The new collection is searchable on MyHeritage, with full-page images available on OldNews.com via direct links. Search the Irish newspaper records here. You can sign up for a seven-day free trial with OldNews.com here.

Upcoming genealogy webinars and talks

TIARA will host professional genealogist Natalie Bodle of Roots Revealed for a presentation on “Irish Landed Estates”. She will examine the types of records associated with these estates, including rentals, leases, estate maps and Encumbered Estates Court records, as well as demonstrating how they can help trace ancestors. The talk will be held in person at Weston Public Library in Massachusetts on Friday, 6 September at 11am and online via Zoom at 4pm (Irish Time). Register for the Zoom meeting here.

The Genealogical Society of Ireland will host Dr Ashley McCall online on Tuesday, 9 September at 8pm (Irish Time) to present “Isotopes and Ancestry: exploring how archaeochemistry can answer genealogical questions”. She will explore how isotope analysis can shed light on diet, mobility, disease and biographies at both the population and individual level. The event will be held via Zoom and is free to attend. More information here.

The Lisburn Branch of the North of Ireland Family History Society will host Mary McKee, UK Archives Manager at FindMyPast, for a talk on “FindMyPast: hints and tips” on Tuesday, 9 September at 7.30pm in the Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn. You can attend in person or online. More information here.

The Society of Genealogists (UK) will host an online talk on Saturday, 13 September at 10:30am (Irish Time), titled “Can Your DNA Help Pinpoint a Location for Your Irish Ancestors?”. Genetic genealogist Claire Bradley will demonstrate how DNA clues can help overcome the common challenge of records listing only “Ireland” as a birthplace. More information here.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Sarah Hammon, Taylor Williams and Bill Mangum will demonstrate FamilySearch’s AI research assistant on Thursday, 18 September at 6pm (Irish Time). This online session will explain how to use the tool to accelerate family tree building and improve research efficiency. Watch here.

Genealogy educator Christine Woodcock will present “Removing the Rebels: Peter Robinson’s settlement of Irish immigrants to Upper Canada” online on Friday, 26 September at 5pm (Irish Time). Register here.

The Causeway Coast and Glens branch of the North of Ireland Family History Society will host Natalie Bodle of Roots Revealed for a talk on “Wills & Testamentary Records” on Tuesday, 30 September at 8pm in the Sandel Centre in Coleraine, Co. Derry. You can attend in person or online. More information here.

Professional genealogist David Ryan will present “From the Ashes: the 1922 Irish Public Record Office fire and Irish genealogy” online on Wednesday, 1 October at 10am (Irish Time). David will explore the 1922 Public Record Office fire, its impact on Irish genealogical research and how advances in conservation techniques and modern technology are helping recover some records previously believed lost, with a particular focus on the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland. Register here.

>>> YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 175,000 historical records released online on 103rd anniversary of Public Record Office fire

The Irish Genealogical Society International (IGSI) will present a webinar on Saturday, 4 October at 10.30am (Central Time US/Canada) on “Irish Migrations to Canada: when & why? How to research these Irish ancestors” by Janelle Asselin. She will explore waves of Irish immigration to Canada, key destinations and archives for research. The fee is $15 for IGSI members (with discount code) and $20 for non-members. Register here.

Past Irish genealogy webinars can also be viewed on RootsTech here and on Legacy Family Tree Webinars here.

Upcoming genealogy workshops and advice sessions

Online:

The Genealogical Society of Ireland hosts a free, informal weekly research advice session on Wednesdays at 11am (Irish Time) via Zoom. It’s open to all and covers all aspects of family history. Keep an eye on their Facebook page here for Zoom links and passcodes.

Dublin:

Fingal County Libraries will host a free in-person Irish genealogy workshop at Blanchardstown Library on Tuesday, 9 September at 6:30pm. It will focus on the National Folklore Collection, key Irish repositories and Virtual Treasury records. Register here.

Ballyroan Library in Rathfarnham will host a free in-person Irish genealogy workshop with historian Cathy Scuffil on Tuesday, 16 September at 2pm. Titled “Golden Moments: getting started with family history research”, the workshop will offer practical tips for beginning your family history journey and introduce the key sources to start tracing the branches of your family tree. Register here.

Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) provides a free genealogy advisory service weekdays at the National Archives of Ireland, offering guidance to anyone researching Irish family history. Staffed by AGI members, the walk-in service requires no readers’ ticket and caters to researchers of all levels, from beginners to those encountering “brick walls” in their research. Visitors can access resource handouts, maps, website lists and an extensive library of genealogical sources and publications, while those unable to attend in person can submit queries by email. More information is available here.

Mayo:

The Mayo Genealogy Group will hold a free informal drop-in session on Saturday morning, 13 September at 11.30am at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar, offering advice to anyone researching their Irish family history. New and experienced researchers are welcome – no booking required. More information here. The Mayo Genealogy Group typically meets on the second Saturday of every month at the museum.

Upcoming genealogy and DNA courses

Online:

The North of Ireland Family History Society’s DNA Summer School returns for its sixth year from Monday, 1 September to Friday, 5 September, online via Zoom. Themed “Finding Your Way”, the programme offers two expert-led classes per day covering Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA, with content suitable for beginners and experienced researchers alike. Recorded sessions will be available for 28 days after the event, allowing participants in any time zone to follow at their convenience. Each class is £10, with a discounted rate of £80 for all ten classes. Find out more and book here.

The Irish Genealogical & Historical Society will host a free four-week beginners’ Irish genealogy class series via Zoom, starting Saturday, 6 September at 5pm (Irish Time). Taught by Eva Doherty Gremmert and Nigel Giddey, the 90-minute classes will cover building your family tree, verifying information, adding media and techniques for researching Irish ancestors, with an extensive resource list provided. To register, email IrishAncestryClass@gmail.com. The classes are being recorded and you can access the videos on YouTube here.

The Irish Family History Society (IFHS) will run an online course series starting on Saturday, 20 September at 12 noon (Irish Time), offering workshop-style tutorials on navigating online Irish family history records. Designed for those new to Irish research, the sessions will focus mainly on free resources but make reference to paid sites. The course will be delivered on Zoom and is free for paid-up society members, while non-members can access individual modules for €10 each or all five modules for €40. A half-price membership promotion of €12.50 is currently available until 31 December 2025, with all payments accepted online. More information about the course here.

Roots Revealed is offering a 20-hour Irish genealogy course, “Exploring Your Roots”, starting Thursday, 25 September. The course is delivered via Zoom in two-hour sessions over 10 weeks and costs £160. Suitable for both beginners and more experienced researchers, it focuses on Irish and Northern Irish records. Comprehensive course materials are provided and recordings will be available for three months. This is the 14th course led by Natalie Bodle, a professional genealogist from Co. Antrim. Places are limited to ensure plenty of interaction and time for questions. Find out more here or register your expression of interest here.

Irish Quest has released a self-paced online course, “Get Started for Success with Irish Ancestors”, designed for beginners or anyone struggling with genealogical brick walls. It covers four essential steps before consulting Irish records, highlights ten key identifiers to confirm which individual is your ancestor and offers strategies for navigating gaps in the records with confidence. The course is priced at $20 USD and includes four guided video lessons and downloadable workbooks. It can be started at any time, allowing participants to progress at their own pace. More information here.

Belfast:

The Ulster Historical Foundation will run its “Researching Your Irish Ancestors” programme in Belfast from 26–29 October, offering a three-day in-person guided research experience. Suitable for both beginners and experienced researchers, the programme provides personalized support from professional genealogists for those tracing Irish or Scots-Irish ancestry, with hands-on guidance at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and other archives around Belfast. Places are limited to 30 participants, so early booking is recommended. The full cost is £649.99, with a reduced deposit of £100 currently accepted. More information here.

Dublin:

Malahide Community School in Dublin will run a 10-week course, titled “How to Research Your Family History”, on Monday evenings starting on 15 September. Taught by professional genealogist Claire Bradley, this course covers a range of Irish genealogy records – including census, civil, church, land, military and newspapers – as well as DNA testing. Aimed at beginners, it costs €110. More information here.

Inchicore College of Further Education (ICFE) is running an autumn evening course, “Genealogy for Beginners”, starting Tuesday, 23 September. The 10-week, classroom-based course runs from 6.30pm to 8pm and costs €100. Led by professional genealogists Hilary McDonagh and Aiden Feerick (members of Accredited Genealogists Ireland), it introduces participants to key resources including census, civil, church and military records, as well as DNA. More information here.

Upcoming clan gatherings

The 2025 O’Donovan Clan Cultural Association Assembly will run from Friday, 5 September to Sunday, 7 September in West Cork. Highlights include sessions with expert historians and genealogists, a tour of Castledonovan and the Michael Collins House, and a gala screening of “Rebel Wife”, a documentary on the life of Mary Jane O’Donovan Rossa, with special guest filmmaker Williams Rossa Cole, as well as a range of social and heritage events across West Cork, including a Sunday lunch banquet. View the full programme here.

>>> YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: “Rebel Wife” film tells the story of Clonakilty heroine Mary Jane O’Donovan Rossa

The 2025 Crowley Clan Gathering will take place in Skibbereen, Co. Cork, from Friday, 12 September to Sunday, 14 September. This year’s gathering is of special importance as it will welcome home descendants of Don Pedro Alonso O’Crouley from Spain, whose family left Ireland more than 400 years ago. Highlights include an illustrated presentation on the Crowley DNA project by Cathy Budd, along with visits to Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Baltimore Castle and O’Crowley Castle in Ahakeera. View the full itinerary here or register here.

Free entry and late opening at EPIC

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum will offer free entry on Friday, 19 September, for Culture Night. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries and historic vaults, with last entry at 9pm and doors remaining open until 10.45pm. No pre-booking is required. More information here.

Special offers

50% off FindMyPast subscriptions

FindMyPast, our official affiliate partner, is offering up to 50% off its 12-month “Everything” subscription until 30 September 2025, providing full access to billions of records, tools and features. Click on the region you’re based in below to access the relevant subscription:

-> Ireland
-> UK
-> USA & Canada
-> Australia & New Zealand
-> Europe & other regions

Find out more about their subscription plans here. Terms and conditions apply.

A F F I L I A T E  A D

25% off British Newspaper Archive subscriptions

The British Newspaper Archive, our official affiliate partner, which now includes more than 290 Irish newspaper titles, is offering 25% off subscriptions until 30 September 2025 with the promo code SEPT2525. Subscribe here. Terms and conditions apply.

A F F I L I A T E  A D

25% off RootsIreland subscriptions

RootsIreland is currently offering 25% off annual subscriptions until 18 September 2025. The site, run by 32 local genealogy centres, hosts over 23 million records, including the most complete set of Roman Catholic registers online, along with millions of Protestant, civil, census, headstone and census-substitute records. So far this year, more than 107,000 records have been added from Counties Antrim, Down, Kerry, Tipperary, Monaghan and Cork. Subscribe here.

15% off Irish Family History Centre consultations

The Irish Family History Centre, located at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, is offering 15% off genealogy consultations. Use code GENEALOGY15 to redeem the discount – for a limited time only. Shop here.

Living DNA sale

Living DNA, our official affiliate partner, is currently running a summer sale on all its DNA kits, with prices starting at €85 (usually €115). Shop here. You can also upload your DNA for free to Living DNA here if you have already tested through 23andMe, Ancestry or MyHeritage.

A F F I L I A T E  A D

FamilyTreeDNA sale

FamilyTreeDNA has extended its summer sale until 7 September, with discounts across its DNA testing range: Family Finder tests for $39 (save $40), mtDNA tests for $129 (save $30), save up to $50 on Y-DNA tests, Autosomal Unlock for $9, upgrades with savings up to $60 and bundles discounted by as much as $180. Shop here.

Save 59% on MyHeritage DNA kits

MyHeritage’s DNA kit is now just €36 plus shipping (usually €89). The test provides an overview of your ethnic origins and can help you find new relatives through shared DNA. For the same price, you can also get the kit with a 30-day free trial of their complete plan, which includes access to over 35 billion records, photo tools and full family tree features. Shop here.

Advertising Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Irish Heritage News is an affiliate of FindMyPast, the British Newspaper Archive and Living DNA. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

READ NOW

➤ Mass grave in Pennsylvania could contain remains of over 100 Irish railroad workers

➤ Expert guide to Irish census records available for free download ahead of 1926 census release

➤ New Irish newspaper database now live with searchable records from 1772 to 1900

➤ Choosing the right DNA test for Irish family history research

➤ Irish genealogy news round-up, June 2025