There are some basic recommended procedures to be followed prior to undertaking family research.

		Work from the known to the unknown
		Work from the present to the past

Work from the known to the unknown

Compile all the information available on the history of your family from your own documentary records and oral information. It is important that your items of information be as specific as possible in compiling and furnishing genealogical information.


Work from the present to the past

Initially while gathering family information, you may experience difficulties, but be patient and you will find it very rewarding. This type of research is slow and very often tedious and it is for this very reason that the Centre may be of assistance to you.

The success of your application depends on the amount of information that you supply - and its accuracy. There are a number of sources that you should check before submitting an application to the centre.
These include:

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Ancestors Death Records: In several countries, including the U.S.A., death records contain the names of the parents of the deceased. Death records also give an indication of the year of birth of the deceased.

Newspaper Death Notices & Obituaries: Some biographical details on your ancestor, including his/her Irish county of origin and the names of surviving brothers and sisters may be contained in a newspaper obituary published in the local paper after your ancestors death.

Ancestor's Marriage Records: Your ancestor may have two records of marriage, namely a civil and a church record. Each may contain different details, so both are worth checking.

Oral family history & family documents: Your relatives may have some useful documents including memorium cards, correspondence from Irish relatives, or a family Bible containing important family dates.

Census Returns: Occasionally, relatives of your ancestors who imigrated from Ireland my also featrue on census records in their country of adoption which is an additional source of information in family research.

Army/Navy/Convict/Naturalisation records: If your ancestor served in the army/navy services, or was transported or naturalized, biographical details such as place or year of birth, parent's names etc. may appear on such documentation.

Wills & Deeds: These may also contain including names and addresses of relatives remaining in Ireland.

Burial & Cemetery Records/Memorium Inscriptions: May contain additional information to death records.