Tyrone Roots

20/04/2026

The Census of 1926 for the Republic of Ireland has just been released. For various reasons, the Census which was taken in the six counties of Northern Ireland has been lost but perhaps you have people you want to research there. I had occasion to use it myself today for a family in County Cavan. My professional body, Accredited Genealogists of Ireland, AGI, have been to the forefront in promoting its availability and this article may be useful if you want to explore further.

Census 1926 release means families' histories are more solvable for thousands in Ireland and beyond

29/03/2026

I was on a pre visit to check out an ancestral home and make contact with locals who could add extra stories to my research. I had a very warm welcome and interesting time, with a day which had hail, rain and thunder. Certainly found somebody who was a collector of old items from the past!

22/03/2026

Here's the answer sheet for the St Patrick's Day Quiz!

15/03/2026

As we approach St Patrick's Day thoughts turn to our roots, particularly if you name is Patrick. It was interestingly a popular name in France 50 years ago! My accreditation body has put together this short quiz to test your knowledge of genealogical sources available for researching your Irish Roots. Answers to be supplied after the day in question! Happy St Patrick's Day.

fil:///E:/Windows.old/Users/User/Downloads/AGI%20Quiz%20St%20Patricks%20Day%20for%20Genealogists.pdf

Copy and paste this link into Google.

04/03/2026

Castletown is the townland on which the Ulster American Folk Park is located. Come along to find out about how to research this and other townlands. Should be of interest to those interested in their history and heritage.

13/09/2025

This week I was in Enniskillen with a group from Derry. A participant, not as a guide. We took the Erne Tours boat MV Krestrel to Devenish Island to visit the ruins of the 6th Century monastic settlement. The guide was very knowledgeable about the conditions within the Lough Erne system. The various aspects of the site were very interesting.

17/08/2025

I took a trip down to Sligo last week. As well as visiting W B Yeats grave at Drumcliff, we went to Lissadell House. Great visit , especially if you are into the era of Yeats.

23/07/2025

May be of interest to people living locally.

Join Mellon Centre for Migration Studies and North of Ireland Family History Society and learn more about how you can research your ancestors - Everyone welcome! 🙌

📅 Friday 1 August
⏰ 10:30am - 3:30pm

13/07/2025

I took some guests to visit Springhill House, a National Trust property near Moneymore. As well as a beautiful building and grounds, the House has a fascinating history and a lot of the family possessions from previous generations are preserved and can tell their story.

03/05/2025

I will be speaking at an event organised by Fintona CCE during the Tyrone Fleadh week. Sharing the platform will be two others who may bring a lighter touch to the proceedings

06/04/2025

A bit of a "busman's outing for me last week. I joined a tour organised by https://www.facebook.com/TheChurchesTrust on the places associated with St Columba in the City of Derry. We started at https://www.facebook.com/stcolumbaheritage and our very knowledgeable guide then brought us on a walking tour of the many places associated with St Columba (also known as St Colmcille) who founded the monastery at Iona in Scotland. Disclosure! My daughter Catherine Brogan is the Project Coordinator!