Have you always wanted to research your Irish family history but you're not sure where to start? This guide will help you take the first step.
Every family has a unique story to tell and building your family tree will put you in the right direction to discover your Irish roots.
Putting together a family tree can feel like a daunting task but you don't need a lot of facts to start - it's only the beginning of the treasure hunt!
To make things even easier, AncestryDNA® is a brilliant tool that gives you a helping hand by providing access to historical records to help you expand your family tree beyond what you already know.
Your Irish Family Tree with Ancestry®
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Step 1: Gathering the leaves for your tree
Gathering information for your family tree
It's usually best to start your family tree with yourself and work your way backward. This way, you can use the information you know to find the information you don't know! Useful records and information to gather include:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Obituaries and newspaper clippings
- Interviewing an older biological relative
- Family group sheets and books of remembrance
- Journals, diaries, and letters
- Photographs
Step 2: Dive deeper into your roots
The next step in learning more about your Irish roots and the ancestors who make up your family tree is with the AncestryDNA® kit.
AncestryDNA® can map ethnicity going back multiple generations and help identify relatives through DNA matching to others who have taken the test. They can even show you where in Ireland you're from and may be able to pinpoint specific regions!
These results will have you on your way to building a better understanding of your family tree.
Step 3: Filling in the missing branches
Learn about your family tree with Ancestry®
Using Ancestry's® guided family tree builder you can now start entering the information you have gathered.
Don't forget to keep an eye out for the Ancestry Hints®, a small, green leaf icon that will appear beside names in your tree. Based on the information you've provided, hints link you to historical records and trees that might hold answers about your ancestor and could even add entire generations to your tree!
Other exciting features include:
- Connect with the Ancestry® community where you can ask for help, share ideas, and make discoveries
- Document your family history by scanning and organizing photos to your tree
- Upload audio files to add personal stories and make your family tree more interactive
- Use advanced photo editing tools that allow you to take old black-and-white photos and see them sharpened in color
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