Description

Tracing Your Dublin Ancestors by James G. Ryan and Brian Smith is one of the most authoritative county genealogy guides published by Flyleaf Press. First released in 1988 and extensively revised through multiple editions, the 4th edition provides an up-to-date and expanded guide to family history research in Dublin City and County.

Designed for both beginners and experienced genealogists, the book explains where Dublin’s historical records can be found, how they were created, and how to interpret them effectively. It also explores the county’s social and administrative history, helping readers understand why some records have survived while others have been lost.

The guide covers a wide range of essential genealogical sources, including:

• Parish baptism, marriage, and burial registers
• Civil birth, marriage, and death records
• The 1901 and 1911 Irish census returns
• Griffith’s Valuation and other land records
• Wills and probate records
• Commercial and street directories
• Newspapers and obituary sources
• Gravestone inscriptions
• Family histories and surname references
• Libraries, archives, and genealogy societies throughout Dublin

Special attention is given to the unique challenges of researching ancestors in Dublin. As Ireland’s capital and largest urban centre, Dublin has experienced centuries of migration, changing parish boundaries, and extensive urban redevelopment. The authors explain how these factors affect surviving records and offer practical strategies for overcoming common research obstacles.

The book also includes maps, illustrations, bibliographies, and directory listings to help readers identify the most appropriate repositories and online resources. Its clear, step-by-step approach makes it an invaluable companion for anyone researching families from Dublin, whether their ancestors lived in the city centre, suburbs, or the wider county.

Ideal for genealogists, local historians, and members of the Irish diaspora, Tracing Your Dublin Ancestors is an essential reference for discovering family connections and understanding the historical records of Ireland’s capital.