Ulster Historical Foundation announces US talks tour for 2020

The Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com) has announced the dates and venues for its 2020 tour of the United States, from March 6th-22nd.

The locations being visited are: 

Friday, 6 March 2020 - Chicago IL (9:00am–5:00pm)
Saturday, 7 March 2020 - Madison WI (9:00am–5:00pm)
Sunday, 8 March 2020 - York PA (1:00pm–5:00pm)
Monday, 9 March 2020 - Staunton, VA (9:00am to 4:30pm)
Wednesday, 11 March 2020 - Bloomington, IN (12 noon–7:00pm)
Friday, 13 March 2020 - Richmond, VA (9:30am - 12:30pm)
Saturday, 14 March 2020 - Frankfort, KY (full day event)
Sunday, 15 March 2020 - Philadelphia, PA (full day event)
Tuesday, 17 March 2020 - Pittsburgh, PA (9:00am–4:30pm)
Wednesday, 18 March 2020 - Charleston, SC
Thursday, 19 March 2020 - Chicago, IL
Friday, 20 March 2020 - St Charles, MO (8:45am–1:00pm)
Saturday 21 March 2020 - Little Rock, AR (9:00am–3:00pm)
Sunday, 22 March 2020 - Coeur d'Alene, ID (11:00am-6:00pm-includes 1hr early luncheon)

For the full itinerary, full details of individual venues and links to book places at each please visit https://www.ancestryireland.com/usa-lecture-tour-2020/.

Note that the schedule is still flexible, and can take additional venues. As it states on their web site:

You may note from our previous itineraries that we travel widely across North America and are happy to visit any location where an invitation to us is extended.

If you know of a society, library or group near to you that would be interested in an Irish and Scots-Irish family history research programme, perhaps you would put us in contact with the local programme organisers by emailing enquiry@uhf.org.uk with the subject heading ‘Lecture Tour’.

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Scottish-Ancestry-through-Church-and-State-Records-Paperback/p/16848. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Ulster Historical Foundation half price access to BMD records

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

50% off all our birth, marriage & death records

Most people wait until the new year to begin new projects or set new goals for themselves, but why wait? TODAY is as good a time as any to start (or continue) that special (or troublesome) family history research project.

As part of our Boxing Day sale all 2 million pay-per-view birth, marriage & death records on AncestryIreland are HALF PRICE!

Visit our website to take advantage of this limited time offer, which must end 03 January 2020!

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Scottish-Ancestry-through-Church-and-State-Records-Paperback/p/16848. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Ulster Historical Foundation announces 2020 programme

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com)

Are you already thinking of what to do or where to go for your 2020 vacation?

Now that our final conference of 2019 has ended we are delighted to announce that details and booking information for each of our 2020 research programmes and conferences are now available.

Tracing your Irish Ancestors: Family History Conference
10 - 17 June 2020

Our classic 8-day conference programme returns in June 2020!

This programme will include brand new tours to famous historic sites across the island of Ireland and crucially for the research enthusiast, all your time can alternatively be spent researching in the archives of Belfast and Dublin with the Foundation's team of researchers (or a mix of the two).

Assisted personal research, talks, tours and sightseeing are all part of the eclectic, friendly and fun mix of Tracing Your Irish Ancestors. Join us for the journey. We will be delighted to see you.


June 2020 Highlights

To uncover the history of this place, our extensive programme of tours throughout the week will take you through rolling countryside to sites of international renown from the Giant’s Causeway on County Antrim’s wild Atlantic coast to the famous and historic Walls of Derry and Hillsborough Castle, the official Northern Ireland palace of the Royal Family!

Our 2020 June programme will see delegates:

• Journey into the heart of County Down, enjoying visits to Hillsborough Castle, Killyleagh Castle, Inch Abbey and the St Patrick's Centre.
• Take a trip through Belfast and south County Antrim, enjoying visits to one of Belfast's most interesting visitor attractions at Crumlin Road Gaol and Ireland's oldest and best preserved Norman citadel at Carrickfergus.
• Experience brand new tours to some of Dublin's most popular visitor attractions - locations to be announced soon.
• With visits to Hillsborough Castle, Carrickfergus Castle and Inch Abbey and more, our June 2020 programme will see delegates tour the churches, castles and causeways of Ireland.

Irish Family History Experience: Introduction to Irish Genealogy
07-12 September 2020

Folllowing the success of the first programme which ran in June 2019, next year will see the return of the Foundation's Irish Family History Experience: Introduction to Irish Family History in September 2020

This programme will appeal to the budding family history researcher wishing to make the first step towards research success as well as the dedicated family historian wishing to break down those genealogical brick walls.

In just six days our September programme will give you the skills and experience to further explore your family history and help you find your Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors.

Irish Family History Experience will offer you the opportunity to spend three days learning from the experts in the classroom and researching in the Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI) followed by the option of three days of tours to sites such as Kilmainham Gaol and the Giant's Causeway or assisted research in PRONI.

Book your place for June or September with just a £350 deposit
Given the current low value of sterling (GBP) against other currencies now is a particularly good time for overseas visitors to book their 2020 getaway. Sign up to one of the Foundation's family history research programmes today and save up to $160 on your booking (based on today's exchange rate compared to last week).

The present exchange rate values will ensure overseas delegates can make a very tidy saving on the cost.


Researching your Irish Ancestors: Assisted Research Programme
05-09 October 2020

Limited space available!

This enhanced research programme offers you the chance to spend a week researching in the archives each day being guided and supported by our team of researchers, and presents a great opportunity to break down any genealogical brick walls and unlock your family history.

This programme will also have a maximum capacity of 30 people meaning that you will experience more one-on-one time with our research team than you would at any of our other conferences and classes.

As our team know the archives and how to mine the information for your family tree, working closely with our researchers will greatly enhance your experience in the archives as well as improving your chances of success.

For more information, and to book a place on any of the above, visit https://www.ancestryireland.com

(With thanks to the UHF)

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course starts 4 November 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Tracing your Irish Ancestors conference in June 2020

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Book today for one of our conferences and take advantage of the current exchange rate

Are you already thinking of what to do or where to go for your 2020 research trip? Or are you thinking there may still be time to travel in 2019? Sign up to one of the Foundation's family history research programmes today and save up to $160 on your booking.

Given the current low value of sterling (GBP) against other currencies now is a particularly good time for overseas visitors to book their 2020 getaway. The current exchange rate values will ensure overseas delegates can make a very tidy saving on the cost.

Tracing your Irish Ancestors: Family History Conference
10 - 17 June 2020

Our classic 8-day conference programme returns in June 2020!

This programme will include brand new tours to famous historic sites across the island of Ireland and crucially, for the research enthusiast, all your time can be spent researching in the archives of Belfast and Dublin with the Foundation's team of researchers (or a mix of the two).

Assisted personal research, talks, tours and sightseeing are all part of the eclectic, friendly and fun mix of Tracing Your Irish Ancestors. Join us for the journey. We will be delighted to see you.

Click here to find out more about our June 2020 family history conference.


June 2020 Highlights

To uncover the history of this place, our extensive programme of tours throughout the week will take you through rolling countryside to sites of international renown from the Giant’s Causeway on County Antrim’s wild Atlantic coast to the famous and historic Walls of Derry and Hillsborough Castle, the official Northern Ireland palace of the Royal Family!

Our 2020 June programme will see delegates:

• Journey into the heart of County Down, enjoying visits to Hillsborough Castle, Killyleagh Castle, Inch Abbey and the St Patrick's Centre.
• Take a trip through Belfast and south County Antrim, enjoying visits to one of Belfast's most interesting visitor attractions at Crumlin Road Gaol and Ireland's oldest and best preserved Norman citadel at Carrickfergus.
• Experience brand new tours to some of Dublins most popular visitor attractions - locations to be announced soon.
• And along with visits to Hillsborough Castle, Carrickfergus Castle and Inch Abbey, our June 2020 programme will see delegates tour the churches, castles and causeways of Ireland.

Further details at https://www.ancestryireland.com/family-history-conference/summer/2020-highlights - book now with just a £350 deposit

Chris

Pre-order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) for just £11.99 at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Ulster Historical Foundation announces course dates

The Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com) has announced dates for its Irish Genealogy Essentials course:

Irish Genealogy Essentials - New Dates for 2019/20

The most comprehensive Irish family history focused genealogy course offered in the U.K. and Ireland, Irish Genealogy Essentials embraces the unique nature of Irish genealogical research.

It is ideal if you:

• Have no experience with genealogy or family history research
• Have some experience with genealogical research, but want to develop your skills and knowledge further
• Consider yourself a more experienced genealogical researcher who wants to learn new techniques and lesser known sources.

The knowledge you gain from Irish Genealogy Essentials: A Family History Course will help you get to grips with research techniques, archives and genealogical sources in Ireland; provide you with the information and skills to further explore your family history and help you find your elusive Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors.

The next genealogy courses are scheduled for:

04-08 November 2019
10-14 February 2020

For more information or to register for this course visit https://www.ancestryireland.com/irish-genealogy-essentials/

Chris

My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course starts May 13th 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. For my Scottish and Irish themed books, visit https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Men and Arms back in stock at the Ulster Historical Foundation

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com), news of a useful resource for those with Plantations based ancestry in Ulster:

Men and Arms: The Ulster Settlers, c.1630 is back in print

Men and Arms: The Ulster Settlers, c.1630, the bestselling volume in the critically important R.J. Hunter Collection is now back in print and available to purchase on Booksireland for £19.99.

Men and Arms is essentially the first ‘census’ of English and Scottish settlers in the nine counties of Ulster in the early seventeenth century. The edition includes extensive additional information on the settlers drawn from a variety of contemporary sources.

For more information visit http://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/men-arms-ulster-settlers-c-1630

Chris

My next Scottish Research Online course starts March 11th 2019 - see www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. For my Scottish and Irish themed books, visit https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Book review: Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors

My review of one of the greatest genealogy books out from Northern Ireland this year...

Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors 
[Published as 'Researching Ulster Ancestors' in the UK]
By William J. Roulston
Ulster Historical Foundation, 606 pages, £19.99

If you have ancestors from the province of Ulster in the north of Ireland, this second edition of William Roulston's best-selling book is an absolute essential for your family history library. Long overdue (the first edition was published in 2005), this new version is packed with considerably new and enhanced information, embracing developments online, in various Irish archival repositories, and beyond.

Over twice the length of the original edition (which was 262 pages long), every section has been substantially reworked and updated, providing guidance on records of the various church denominations and graveyards; unique seventeenth and eighteenth century themed resources; landed estate records, the Registry of Deeds and wills; government records, newspapers, books, and emigration records; charities and business records; and even sections on organisations, clubs and secret societies.

An entire half of the book is filled with appendices packed with references to collections for individual parishes and landed estates, presented alongside a wonderfully useful series of civil parish maps for the nine Ulster counties.

Roulston's new guide is the perfect and essential companion to John Grenham's 'Tracing Your Irish Ancestors', perhaps the finest complement that I can convey. It is quite simply an outstanding piece of work – thoroughly recommended.

To order the book, please visit https://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/genealogical-guides/researching-scots-irish-ancestors-the-essential-genealogical-guide-to-early-modern-ulster-1600-1800-second-edition-duplicate

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Ulster Historical Foundation courses and conference

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Irish Genealogy Essentials

This is a reminder that our next Irish Genealogy Essentials course is coming up soon and there are still places available. It is a 5-day course and runs from 5 to 9 November 2018.

Irish Genealogy Essentials embraces the unique nature of Irish genealogical research and is ideal if you:

• Have no experience with genealogy or family history research
• Have some experience with genealogical research, but want to develop your skills and knowledge further
• Consider yourself a more experienced genealogical researcher who wants to learn new techniques and lesser known sources

We have two other 5-day courses scheduled - 4-8 February 2019 and 7-11 October 2019.

There are also two 1-day courses scheduled - Monday, 19 November 2018 and Saturday, 19 January 2019.

Click here for more information on our family history courses.


Irish Family History Experience
Genealogy Class

We are also offering a new programme - Irish Family History Experience: Introduction to Irish Family History - which will appeal to both the budding family history researcher wishing to make the first step towards research success as well as the dedicated family historian wishing to break down those genealogical brick walls.

Running from 10 to 15 June 2019, this 6-day programme will give you the skills and experience to further explore your family history and help you find your Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors! This brand new programme will offer you the opportunity to spend three days learning from the experts in the classroom and researching in the Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI) followed by the option of three days of tours to sites such as Kilmainham Gaol and the Giant's Causeway or continued assisted research in PRONI. (For a full itinerary click here)

Places can fill up fast so reserve your place now for only £729.99 per person (or with a deposit of £350 per person).

Given the current low value of sterling (GBP) against other currencies now is a particularly good time for overseas visitors to purchase. The present exchange rate values will ensure overseas delegates can make a very tidy saving on the cost.

For more information or to book your place click here


Exiles of '98 Conference

To mark the recent publication by the Ulster Historical Foundation of Exiles of ’98: Ulster Presbyterians and the United States by Peter Gilmore, Trevor Parkhill and William Roulston, PRONI will be holding a half-day conference on Thursday, 8 November 2018, from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

The conference will examine the events of 1798 in the north of Ireland, the experiences of those who left Ireland after the Rebellion and look at the wider context of Presbyterian migration from Ireland. Speakers will include Dr Linde Lunney, Peter W. Murphy, Trevor Parkhill and Keith Beattie.

Additional Information:

Admission is FREE, book via Eventbrite
The Heritage Café at PRONI will be open from 9.30am to 3.00pm

(With thanks to the UHF)

Chris


For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

New databases from the Ulster Historical Foundation

New databases have been added to the members area of thre website for the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com).

These include:

A Directory of the Gentry in Banbridge in 1823
A List of People granted Freedom of the Corporation of Coleraine in 1832
A Subscriber List for the book Heterogenea or Medley for the Benefit of the Poor
A List of People Holding Railway Shares in any of the Irish Railways in 1847
A List of Members of Parliament in Co. Down from 1585-1885
A List of Mills on the Bann in 1837
A Petition to Parliament from Banbridge from 1828
Registers of Baptism from First Antrim Presbyterian Church from 1677-1733
Registers of Marriage from First Antrim Presbyterian Church from 1675-1736
Seapatrick Military Records from World War I

For more information on these databases and a list of all the databases available, visit https://www.ancestryireland.com/search-irish-genealogy-databases/

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors 2nd edition now on sale

New from the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600–1800, 2nd Edition
By William Roulston

The Ulster Historical Foundation is pleased to announce that the new edition of Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors is now in stock!

Priced at just £19.99 (plus P&P) this new edition of Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors is a massively expanded version of the first volume.running to more than 600 pages – more than double the length of the original.

A ‘must have’ resource for Irish family history

More detailed information is included on the importance of church and land records and new chapters explore the value of records relating to charitable bodies, fraternal organisations and businesses. There is also a discussion of potential sources of information on emigration. A set of parish maps for each county in Ulster has been included and along with a listing of more than 600 places in the province giving the parish location.

Whether your ancestors are of English, Scottish or Gaelic Irish background, whether their religious affiliation was Episcopalian, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic or other, whether they were farmers, merchants or labourers, this volume will be of enormous value to anyone wishing to find out more about their Ulster roots.

To place an order please visit https://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/researching-scots-irish-ancestors-second-edition

This book will be sold locally as Researching Ulster Ancestors (UK & Ireland). For those of you who might wish to purchase the book under this title visit https://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/researching-scots-irish-ancestors-the-essential-genealogical-guide-to-early-modern-ulster-1600-1800-second-edition-duplicate.

COMMENT: I've placed an order, and will review the title when it arrives - should be a good read!

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Ulster Historical Foundation to participate in USA's British Institute

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

British Institute - 15-19 October 2018

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a week-long course in researching Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors in Salt Lake City UT, in October 2018. This course which will be delivered by Foundation staff Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt is part of the prestigious 2018 British Institute which is organised annually by the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History.

During the week we will be covering 19 different topics suitable for both the beginner and those with more experience in Irish and Scots-Irish research. The course includes sessions in the nearby Family History Library as well as a one-to-one 20 minute consultation with either Fintan or Gillian. More information on the course is available here.

We are really looking forward to spending the week in Salt Lake City helping people find out more about their ancestors and the sources available for Irish research – we would love to have you join us!

COMMENT: Also speaking at this event will be Paul Milner, Beryl Evans, Else Churchill and Alec Tritton.

(With thanks to the UHF)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Review: Plantations in Ulster, 1600-41 – A Collection of Documents

Plantations in Ulster, 1600-41 – A Collection of Documents, edited by R. J. Hunter

This guide, originally published by R. J. Hunter, but now expanded and updated with additional material by Ian Montgomery of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and Dr. William Roulston of the Ulster Historical Foundation, is quite simply a breathtakingly beautiful book - not just because it is a visual treat, with its many wonderfully captured full colour images of documents from the Plantation period and easy to access transcriptions, and not just because it only costs a penny! But because, as with any good resource book, it unlocks an entire new world of potential in terms of documentary sources to pursue, and research approaches to take.

Almost twenty years ago I wondered if I would ever be able to connect back to the resources of Griffith's Valuation in the mid-19th century; now I am at the stage where I am beginning to touch the Plantations of Ulster era on many of my Northern Irish lines. What this book does is to completely bring that era to life, telling the story of the Plantations, the frustrations of the Plantations, the failure of parts of the Plantations scheme, and also some of the successes of the Plantations, by providing an insight into the Plantations as a project and scheme which was actually carried out. This was not just a chapter heading in a book, this actually happened as an event, and had many real experiences at its heart – for good and for bad – which are to this day still vilified as controversial by some, and commemorated as an achievement by others.

The Plantations scheme as envisaged in London is described through a series of contemporary documents marking progress along the way, including its inception, its revisions and its impact. There are examples of surveys of the lands in Ulster to be planted with Protestant settlers from Britain, reports on the native Irish experience in Armagh from 1624, examples of port books, the Charter of Belfast, a photograph of the memorial stone to Arthur Chichester in my home town of Carrickfergus, petitions, maps, and the list goes on.

A third of the documents featured are new additions extending the late Bob Hunter's original work, with the new version of the book produced in association with the R. J. Hunter Committee. Some of these previously unpublished documents were actually worked on by Bob Hunter himself, whilst Ian Montgomery and William Roulston completed the additions.

The book costs just a penny, but you will need to pay for postage and packing – details on how to do so are available at http://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/plantations-in-ulster-documents.

This may well become one of my all time favourite Irish genealogy books, because I now believe that whilst I may have made a lot of progress on my Irish research in twenty years, it's just reminded me I am still a novice with a hell of long way to go!

(With thanks to PRONI and the Ulster Historical Foundation)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Ulster Historical Foundation conference and course

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Plan Your Summer Escape with the Ulster Historical Foundation

Running from 05-12 September 2018 Tracing your Irish Ancestors 2018 will mark the tercentenary of the 1718 migration and 300+ years of Irish migration with visits to sites and places synonymous with the migration of Ulster and Irish families to the New Worlds (North America, Australasia, South Africa etc).

Choose to research in the archives or visit some of Ireland’s most historic sites

During our 7 day conference you will be able to shape your own experiences by choosing to either research in the different archives in Belfast and Dublin or join our staff on daily excursions through Ireland's beautiful landscape to some of its most historic sites.

300+ years of Irish migration

Trips during our 2018 programme will see you embark on a guided through the Bann Valley, the area in Ulster most directly associated with the 1718 migration; walk on the walls and explore the historic port city of Derry~Londonderry, one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe; uncover the stories of some of the earliest people to travel from Ulster to Australia at the Down Museum; visit the Ulster American Folk Park which is dedicated to the story of emigration from Ulster to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries; as well as delving deeper into the past with visits to the Hill of the O’Neill in Dungannon to learn about the 'Flight of the Earls' in 1607, when two of Ulster's leading lords left the island for Continental Europe, never to return and Barons Court, the magnificent seat of the Duke of Abercorn whose ancestors migrated from Scotland over 400 years ago.

These tours are also enlivened with visits to other renowned historical sites of interest across the island of Ireland as you will journey into pre-history to marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site at Newgrange and look out onto the North Atlantic Ocean from the stones of the Giant’s Causeway.

You will also be able to visit Kilmainham Gaol, one of Dublin city’s most important monuments and visitor attractions and view the beautifully illustrated Book of Kells at Trinity College. All this and much much more!

Book Now

Places are filling up fast so reserve your place now, with a deposit of only £299.99 (GBP) per person! Given the current low value of sterling (GBP) against other currencies now is a particularly good time for overseas visitors to purchase.

For more information please visit https://www.ancestryireland.com/family-history-conference/autumn/


Irish Genealogy Essentials: A Family History Course, 30 April-04 May 2018

Our next Irish family history course is just over 4 weeks away and places are still available.

Running from 30 April to 04 May 2018 Irish Genealogy Essentials: A Family History Course embraces the unique nature of Irish genealogical research and is ideal if you:

• Have no experience with genealogy or family history research
• Have some experience with genealogical research, but want to develop your skills and knowledge further
• Consider yourself a more experienced genealogical researcher who wants to learn new techniques and lesser known sources.

The knowledge you gain from Irish Genealogy Essentials: A Family History Course will help you get to grips with research techniques, archives and genealogical sources in Ireland; provide you with the information and skills to further explore your family history and help you find your illusive Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors.

Our course will cover topics such as Irish land divisions; Nineteenth and early twentieth century census returns; Church records; Civil records; Griffith’s valuation; Tithe applotment books; wills and testamentary papers; and much more!

The knowledge you gain from our family history courses will help you get to grips with research techniques, archives and genealogical sources in Ireland; provide you with the information and skills to further explore your family history and help you find your elusive Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors.

More information on the details of this course can be found at https://www.ancestryireland.com/irish-genealogy-essentials/

Pay in instalments

If you would like to participate in our Spring course and would like to pay in instalments, please contact: conleth.mullan@uhf.org.uk

If you choose to pay in instalments you will be expected to pay two instalments of £239.99 for non members and two instalments of £224.99 for guild members.

The higher price associated with paying in instalments is due to the extra fees the Foundation will incur


For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Ulster Historical Foundation offer - R.J. Hunter Collection

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

During our recent stock take we have unearthed a handful of copies of The Ulser Port Books 1612-15 by R.J. Hunter.

To mark this discovery we are offering the R.J. Hunter collection, in its entirety, for the special price of £74.99! This is the first time in a year we have been able to offer a complete set of R. J. Hunters’ publications and we do hope that you take advantage of this tremendous find.

We have a very limited number full sets available (only six copies) so be sure to order quickly to avoid disappointment, as the sets will be sold on a first come first served basis.

To purchase this collection or for more information please visit https://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/history-and-research-bundles/rj-hunter-plantation-pack

Please note that at present Men and Arms: The Ulster Settlers, c. 1630 is only available as part of this collection. All other books in this collection can be purchased individually, via https://www.booksireland.org.uk:

• Strabane Barony during the Ulster Plantation 1607-1641
• Ulster Transformed: Essays on Plantation and Print Culture c. 1590-1641
• The Ulster Plantation in the Counties of Armagh and Cavan 1608-41
• The Ulster Port Books 1612-15

Interested in the Plantation of Ulster?

For anyone interested in this seminal event of Irish history the following publications may also be of great interest (available via BooksIreland):

• The Plantation of Ulster Collection - £44.99 (RRP £76.94)
• The Plantation of Ulster by Philip S. Robinson - £14.99 (RRP £19.99)
• Scottish Migration To Ulster In The Reign Of James 1 by M. Perceval-Maxwell - £14.99 (RRP £19.99)
• The Plantation of Ulster: The Story of the Irish
• The Plantation of Ulster: The Story of the English

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Ulster Historical Foundation courses in 2018

From the Ulster Historicwww.ancestryireland.com):
al Foundation (

New Family History Course Dates in 2018

The Foundation will be running three more courses in 2018:

* Spring 2018: 30 April-04 May
* June 2018: 13-19 June
* November 2018: 05-09 November

The knowledge you gain from our family history courses will help you get to grips with research techniques, archives and genealogical sources in Ireland; provide you with the information and skills to further explore your family history and help you find your elusive Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors.

Our courses are ideal if you:

• Have no experience with genealogy or family history research
• Have some experience with genealogical research, but want to develop your skills and knowledge further
• Consider yourself a more experienced genealogical researcher who wants to learn new techniques and lesser known sources.

For more information and to register for one of our 2018 courses visit https://www.ancestryireland.com/irish-genealogy-essentials/book-now/

Pay in instalments

If you would like to participate in one of our family history courses and would like to pay in instalments, please contact: conleth.mullan@uhf.org.uk

If you choose to pay in instalments you will be expected to pay three instalments of £159.99 for non members and three instalments of £149.99 for guild members.

The higher price associated with paying in instalments is due to the extra fees the Foundation will incur

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

RootsIreland launches new newsletter

The RootsIreland platform at www.rootsireland.ie has launched a new free to access genealogy newsletter entitled Irish Genealogy Matters.

The four page newsletter notes the following records will be added over the coming months:

• Civil records from Co. Sligo;
• Civil and Church records from Co. Cavan;
• Seventeenth-century muster rolls (census substitute) for the counties of Ulster;
• Graveyard inscriptions from Dublin;
• Burial records from Co. Wicklow;
• Burial records from Co. Westmeath;
• Tithe book and census returns from Co. Limerick;
• Baptismal records from East Galway.

Amongst recent additions to the site is a first name variant search facility.

It would seem that the Ulster Historical Foundation will be supplying a searchable version of its 'Men at Arms' book to the RootsIreland platform, which notes the names of some 13,000 English and Scottish settlers in Ulster as recorded within muster rolls taken circa 1630.

Further details are available at the newsletter which is directly accessible at www.rootsireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Irish-Genealogy-Matters-Newsletter.pdf.

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Ballymacarrett and the First World War: A sacrifice shared

Details of a new publication from the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Ballymacarrett and the First World War: A sacrifice shared

Ballymacarrett and the First World War: A Sacrifice Shared is the culmination of the effort and enthusiasm of local young people intent on discovering the shared past of their communities. It explores the shared sacrifice during the war of those in Ballymacarrett and the surrounding districts, told through the personal stories of individuals who served. It includes a list of those who died from the area as well as case-studies which explore in more depth the stories of a number of those who died.

The study seeks to show that it is possible for almost anyone to research a Great War ancestor, and demonstrates the commonality of suffering and the brutal reality that the slaughter impacted all sections of society, irrespective of community background. Ulster Historical Foundation worked with local groups on a programme to learn more about their First World War ancestors and others in the Ballymacarrett community who had served in the conflict. It involved talks and visits to a number of local historical sites and archives, from which the individuals used in this study were selected by the young people.

Ballymacarrett and the First World War: A Sacrifice Shared reflects the Foundation’s on-going commitment to community and educational outreach and to telling the story of all the people of Ulster.

If you would like a copy of the book, it can be purchased from the Foundation's online bookstore for just one penny (plus p&p) - for further details visit http://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/ballymacarrett.

(With thanks to the UHF)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Irish Ordnance Survey Memoirs book sale

The Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com) is currently having a 50% sale on various editions of its Ordnance Survey Memoirs collection, which are essentially statistical accounts of the various parishes of the north of Ireland from the 19th century, compiled alongside the mapping survey work of the time. From the society's site:

The Memoirs are a uniquely detailed source for the history of the northern half of Ireland immediately before the Great Famine. They were written in the 1830s to accompany the 6" Ordnance Survey maps, but with one exception were not published at the time. In this new edition they act as a nineteenth-century Domesday book and are essential to the understanding of the cultural heritage of our communities. The Memoirs document the landscape and situation, buildings and antiquities, land-holdings and population, employment and livelihood of the parishes.

To access the sale, visit the society's bookshop page at http://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/ordnance-survey-memoirs.

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course commences Sept 11th 2017 - details at www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Ulster Historical Foundation talks in Australia and New Zealand

The Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com) is about to go on tour of New Zealand and Australia. The following is the itinerary:

Want to discover your Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors?

We are currently busy getting ready for our Australia and New Zealand lecture tour which is scheduled to begin on Thursday 18 March in Wellington, NZ. Our tour will see us travel from Wellington to Wanaka, NZ before travelling to Sydney, Nambour, Perth and Melbourne in Australia and ending the tour back in New Zealand with two dates in Auckland on the 04 June.

Whether you are just beginning your Irish research or have been at it for years, you won’t want to miss these workshops. Places are filling up fast so if you are interested in attending please visit or contact the host organisations.

Thursday, 18 May - Wellington, NZ
Location: Loaves & Fishes Hall @ Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, 45 Molesworth St, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
Host: Irish Interest Group Lower North Island
Email: jenmartin@paradise.net.nz to register

Sunday, 21 May – Dunedin, NZ
Location: Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, 9058, New Zealand
Host: Dunedin Branch, New Zealand Society Of Genealogists
Web: www.dunedingenealogy.org.nz/

Tuesday, 23 May – Wanaka, NZ
Location: Wanaka Presbyterian Community Church Centre, 91 Tenby Street, Wanaka
Host: The Wanaka Genealogy Group
Web: wanakagenealogy.weebly.com/

Thursday, 25 May – Sydney, NSW
Location: Richmond Villa, 120 Kent Street Sydney
Host: Society of Australian Genealogists
Web: www.sag.org.au/learn/current-events/full-list-of-events/cat.listevents/2017/04/21/-.html

Saturday, 27 May - Sunshine Coast, QLD
Location: Genealogy Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, Petrie Park Road, Nambour, QLD 4560
Host: Genealogy Sunshine Coast
Web: sites.google.com/view/genealogysunshinecoastinc-home

Sunday, 28 May - Perth, WA
Location: State Library of Western Australia, 25 Francis St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Host: The Western Australian Genealogical Society Inc. (WAGS)
Web: membership.wags.org.au/

Tuesday, 30 May - (AIGS) Melbourne, VIC
Location: Willis Room, Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading
Host: Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies Inc
Tel./e-mail: (03) 9877 3789 or info@aigs.org.au

Wednesday, 31 May - (VGS) Melbourne, VIC
Location: 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands VIC 3008
Host: The Irish Ancestry Group of the Genealogical Society of Victoria
Web: www.gsv.org.au

Saturday, 3 June, NZGS Auckland, NZ
Location: Alexandra Park, Greenlane West, Auckland
Host: New Zealand Society of Genealogists
Web: www.genealogy.org.nz/2017-conference_1571

Sunday, 4 June, Auckland, NZ
Location: 18 Airpark Dr, Mangere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand

For more information on these dates please go to: www.ancestryireland.com/australia-new-zealand-2017/

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course commences Sept 11th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Belfast hosted Irish Genealogy Essentials course

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Irish Genealogy Essentials: A Family History Course, 09-13 October 2017

Researching your Irish and Scots Irish ancestors can be both exhilarating and frustrating. This taught course is highly recommended for those who are relatively new to Irish family history and wish to get to grips with research techniques, archives and genealogical sources in Ireland. It is also the ideal opportunity for those with more experience in genealogy to learn about lesser-known sources, many of which are not yet online and are available only in the archives.

The course will be delivered by the Ulster Historical Foundation’s experienced staff and will include a week of intensive learning, with practical demonstrations using relevant websites and other electronic resources, plus a day and a half of guided research in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Participants will have full access to the Foundation’s research and newspaper library, electronic resources, and of course the expertise of our staff.

Running from 09-13 October 2017 Tracing Irish Genealogy Essentials: A Family History Course will cover topics such as Irish land divisions; Nineteenth and early twentieth century census returns; Church records; Civil records; Griffith’s valuation; Tithe applotment books; wills and testamentary papers; and much more!

More information on the details of this course can be found at: www.ancestryireland.com/essentials-oct-2017

(With thanks to the Ulster Historical Foundation)

Chris

My next 5 week Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course commences May 15th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.