Detailed Course Description

Course Description


This course aims to provide students with basic guidance in tracing ancestors and learning more about our families in the past. A range of records will be examined, many of them now conveniently searchable online, including census, birth, marriage and death and valuation records, church registers, wills, memorial inscriptions, newspapers and directories.
Participants will be encouraged to compile a portfolio of copy records and notes to share with their families and to compare findings with fellow students.

Course Schedule


10 Thursdays, 7.00pm - 9.00pm, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec 3


Reading List


The following is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content. We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests.
Grenham, J., (2006) Tracing Your Irish Ancestors, Gill & Macmillan
(portions online at http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/grenham.htm)
MacLysaght, E., (1991) Surnames of Ireland, Irish Academic Press
Murphy, S., (2011) A Primer in Irish Genealogy
(course textbook, online at http://homepage.eircom.net/~seanjmurphy/epubs/primer.pdf)

Tutor


Sean Murphy (MA) is a graduate of University College Dublin and specialises in genealogy/history of the family. In addition to teaching work, he is also a professional genealogist and consultant, has published widely, given talks to societies and groups and participated in radio and television programmes.