CB Genealogy

21/02/2026

While it's not a sexy topic, genealogical methodology is a really important thing to get right, and there's precious few books on it. In 2019, I took a Pharos Tutors business genealogy course run by Karen and she really knows her stuff. That course led to the development of the Pro-Am Genies networking group and many great friendships. I've got my copy of her book pre-ordered & I'll review it on my blog in due course.

A very happy bunny with the first copy of my new book, 'Genealogy Methods and Techniques: A Practical Guide to Research', due for publication 19th March (shipping times vary depending on bookstore).

See more here: https://www.crowood.com/book/genealogy-methods-and-techniques/

20/02/2026

Thrilled with this lovely review.

18/02/2026

The team at IrishGenealogy.ie has confirmed that the indexes for the deaths in 1864-1870 are back online and my initial testings would concur. Still no images, but they're ready to upload them once the GRO gets their act together. I've updated my blog post accordingly.

https://cbgenealogy.ie/those-pesky-early-death-records/

14/02/2026

Forget flowers and chocolates, here's some things your favourite genealogist would like to receive today.

14/02/2026

Some thoughts on being called Valentine for the day that's in it, written a couple of years ago.

https://cbgenealogy.ie/valentines/

12/02/2026

This is a really interesting article by Emma Ryan who did the MA in History of the Family with me at University of Limerick

Maria left Ireland aged fourteen. According to the Irish Famine Memorial’s orphan database, she left Portumna as a Roman Catholic orphan of James and Margaret Maher (both deceased), sailing on the …

11/02/2026

Since we're still missing those 1864-1870 deaths on Irishgenealogy, I've put together a list of resources as workarounds, along with the background.

https://cbgenealogy.ie/those-pesky-early-death-records/

09/02/2026

Looking forward to running another DNA workshop later this month.

Have you had a DNA test done but are unsure how to interpret your results and move forward with your genealogical research? Join Claire Bradley, professional genealogist, for a DNA Workshop where she will guide participants in using their DNA results for family history. To participate you need to have already received your DNA test results and be able to access them on the day. The workshop will take place at Fingal Local Studies & Archives, 46 North Street, Swords on Tuesday, 24th February from 2.30pm-4pm. Spaces are limited, to book contact archives@fingal.ie or call (01) 8704486.

09/02/2026

Video update becuase why not?!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/02/2026

They must have been listening to me. This is in the Sunday Independent today.

05/02/2026

Did you see my latest newsletter?

I'm a big fan of RTÉ's Doc on One series and the latest episode has an interesting family history element as an Irish family goes to Jamaica to look into their ancestor's slave-owning activities there. Ireland, as part of the British Empire, has not yet really begun to properly address our own role...

04/02/2026

When will we get a new year of data on Irishgenealogy? We're expecting 1925 births, 1950 marriages and 1975 deaths. It would be lovely if we got the 1864-1870 deaths (or even just the indexes back!) but I've almost given up on that. Last year's update was delayed by the launch of the new version of the website, so I'm hoping it'll be earlier this year.
That gap between the birth indexes on the commercial sites is closing fast. IrishGenealogy has births indexed with the mother's name from 1900. Ancestry/Findmypast/Familysearch have birth indexes to 1958 but they only have the mother's surname in the index from 1928. With the imminent release of the 1926 census, we should be able to get around this little 20th century gap. If you need to work with 19th century births, remember that Rootsireland often has the civil records indexed out so they might be a shortcut, albeit requiring at least a short term subscription.