Do you have Irish ancestry? If so, you’re part of a large group of people.

While it is difficult to determine an exact number for those who can claim Irish ancestry, it is estimated that there are approximately 80 million people around the world who claim Irish heritage or ancestry.

The amount is due in part to centuries of Irish emigration which began in the 16^th and 17^th centuries and intensified from the mid-19^th century onwards, particularly to the United States and other English-speaking countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, as well as a long history of Irish diaspora communities around the world.

Valuable tool for tracing Irish ancestry

Probate research is a valuable tool for tracing your Irish ancestry if you suspect you have Irish roots. Probate records are legal documents that deal with the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. These records can provide valuable information about a person’s ancestors, including their names, relationships, residences, and occupations.

In Ireland, probate records date back to the 16^th century, and they can be found in several different sources, including the National Archives of Ireland, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, and local archives and libraries all over Ireland.

To start your research, you will need to identify the names and locations of your Irish ancestors. This information can be obtained from family records, census records, and other historical documents. Once you have this information, you can begin searching for probate records.

Inheritance

Probate records can provide information about your ancestor’s will, including who was named as the executor and who inherited the estate. They can also provide information about the deceased person’s assets and debts, as well as any outstanding legal issues.

Probate records can be particularly useful for tracing your Irish ancestry because they often include information about family relationships. For example, a will might name children or grandchildren, or it might mention a spouse or other family member who was left a particular bequest.

In addition to probate records, other useful sources for tracing Irish ancestry include civil and church records, immigration records, and newspaper archives. The National Library of Ireland and the National Archives of Ireland both offer online access to many of these records, making it easier than ever to trace your Irish roots.

Overall, probate research can be seen as an essential tool for anyone looking to discover their Irish ancestry. By providing information about family relationships, assets and debts, probate records can help you piece together the history of your Irish ancestors and gain a deeper understanding of your family’s roots.

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Did you know that Finders Ireland can help if you want to apply for an Irish passport? People who live outside of Ireland but have qualifying ancestry (those born in Ireland) can use our services to research their family tree for that qualifying ancestry and/or obtain the necessary certificates that prove the relationship.