Description

Tracing Your Galway Ancestors by Peadar O’Dowd is an essential resource for anyone researching their family roots in County Galway. Published by Flyleaf Press as part of its respected Tracing Your Ancestors series, the book provides a practical, step-by-step guide to the records and archives available for tracing Galway families.

Beginning with an overview of Galway’s rich history, O’Dowd explains how the county’s unique geography and heritage—from the rugged Atlantic coastline of Connemara to the fertile eastern plains and the medieval city of Galway—have influenced its people and historical records. He also explores the impact of events such as the Great Famine, which led to significant emigration and dramatic population decline.

The guide introduces readers to the principal sources used in Irish genealogical research, including:

• Parish baptism, marriage, and burial registers
• Civil birth, marriage, and death records
• The 1901 and 1911 Irish census returns
• Griffith’s Valuation and Tithe Applotment Books
• Estate papers and land records
• Gravestone inscriptions
• Wills, probate records, and marriage licence indexes
• Newspapers, trade directories, and local archives

Particular attention is given to the distinctive challenges of Galway genealogy. O’Dowd discusses the county’s famous Fourteen Tribes of Galway, prominent native Gaelic families such as the O’Flahertys, O’Kellys, and O’Shaughnessys, as well as Norman and later settler families whose histories are reflected in surviving records. He also explains where these records can be found and how researchers can interpret them effectively.

Written in a clear and accessible style, the book is suitable for both beginners and experienced genealogists. Alongside practical research advice, it includes useful addresses, websites, bibliographies, and references to local historical publications, making it an invaluable companion for anyone exploring Galway ancestry.

Ideal for genealogists, local historians, and members of the Irish diaspora, Tracing Your Galway Ancestors is an indispensable guide to uncovering family connections and understanding the rich historical heritage of County Galway.