Aims:
To promote and encourage the study of Irish genealogy and to collect books and manuscripts of genealogical value.
The Society:
The Irish Genealogical Research Society is a learned Society and was established in 1936 in the Office of the York Herald, London. The founding members were deeply concerned at the loss of much material of genealogical value and their priority was to collect copies of materials compiled prior to the destruction of the Public Record Office in Dublin in 1922. The core of our unique reference library was formed from the personal collection of both printed and manuscript materials which belonged to the Irish genealogist, Father Wallace Clare, the founder of the Society. It has been greatly expanded by subsequent donations from members.
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The Society’s aims remain much as envisaged in 1936 and there is an active programme for the acquisition of manuscripts and printed works. The acquisition of data related to Irish births, marriages and deaths up to 1864 and the collecting of copies of wills, are still among our main objectives. The library, therefore, is of primary use to those who have already researched their family back to the middle of the 19th century. The library does not contain vital records such as Civil Registration which are readily available elsewhere.
Research
The Society is run entirely by volunteers & has no paid staff. It is therefore unable to undertake research. If you are new to Irish research, you may benefit more initially from joining a Family History Society with a good Irish section.
Publications
The Society produces an annual journal of high academic standing and makes a significant contribution in the field of Irish genealogy. A newsletter is also produced twice a year. Runs of our Journal “The Irish Genealogist” are available in major public libraries throughout the world.