Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records: A Guide for Family Historians

The history of Ireland has been dominated by land ownership, with complex and often distressing tales of dispossession and colonization. Genealogist and best-selling author Chris Paton explores how surviving land records can help with ancestral research and tell the stories of the communities from which our ancestors emerged. He identifies the various ways to access the records, whether in Ireland's many archives, local and national, or online platforms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 20 September 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The history of Ireland is a complex and often distressing tale, dominated by the question of land ownership. Over centuries, the island has witnessed dispossession, colonization, religious tensions, absentee landlordism, subsistence farming, and much more that has saddened the hearts of its people. However, despite the destruction of much of Ireland's historic record during the Irish Civil War and the discriminatory Penal Laws in earlier times, land records provide a valuable source of evidence of our ancestors' existence. In his book, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, genealogist and best-selling author Chris Paton explores how these surviving records can help with ancestral research and shed light on the communities from which our ancestors emerged.

Paton delves into the often controversial history of land ownership across the island, examining the rights granted to those who held estates and the struggles of the dispossessed. He identifies various surviving records that can help tease out the stories of many of Ireland's forgotten generations. These records can be found in Ireland's many archives, local and national, and increasingly through online platforms.

Paton also provides guidance on how to access these records, including tips on navigating Ireland's complex genealogy system and utilizing online resources. He emphasizes the importance of researching multiple sources and collaborating with other researchers to piece together the stories of our ancestors.

Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring their Irish heritage. It provides a comprehensive overview of the land ownership history and the various records that can help us uncover the stories of our ancestors. By utilizing these resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of our past and connect with our roots in a meaningful way.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 158 x 232 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526780218