Trace Your Irish Family Tree with Expert Guidance
From first notes to full family history — I’ll help you uncover your Irish ancestry and even apply for Irish citizenship.
Uncover your Irish heritage with confidence
Whether you’re just beginning your search for your Irish roots or have already gathered family details, I’ll help you piece together the story of your Irish ancestors. I can trace your lineage through parish records, census archives and historic documents, bringing your family’s Irish history vividly to life.
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Tracing your Irish roots means stepping into a history as rich and complex as Ireland itself
Understanding how family records were kept (and sometimes lost) is an important part of the journey.
A brief history of Irish record-keeping
Civil registration in Ireland began in 1845 for non-Catholic marriages, and in 1864 it became compulsory for all births, marriages, and deaths, including those of Roman Catholics. However, record-keeping standards varied from parish to parish, so some registers are more complete than others.
Sadly, much of Ireland’s early genealogical history was lost in 1922, when the Public Records Office at the Four Courts in Dublin was destroyed during the Civil War. Census returns from 1821–1851 and other valuable archives perished in the fire. Later census records from 1861–1891 were also destroyed in error — a major blow for family historians.
But all is not lost.
The Irish Government has made the 1901 and 1911 Census freely available online, an invaluable starting point for anyone beginning their research. You can explore these at genealogy.nationalarchives.ie.
Beyond the census, countless other resources, land records, trade directories, court archives, and more, can reveal hidden chapters of your family’s story.
At Hibernia Roots, I know where to look, how to interpret what we find, and how to connect the dots between scattered records. Let me save you time, frustration, and guesswork.
Start your journey today
Email me at noreen@hiberniaroots.com or purchase an initial family history assessment to begin uncovering your Irish story.
Claiming Irish Citizenship
“There are two kinds of people in the world - those who are Irish, and those who wish they were.”
Across the world, millions of people with Irish roots are rediscovering their heritage, and many are taking the next step by applying for Irish Citizenship and an Irish passport.
In recent years, political and economic changes, especially the aftermath of Brexit, have sparked a renewed interest in claiming Irish citizenship through ancestry. For many, it’s not only a practical decision but also a deeply personal connection to their family’s story.
If you were born outside Ireland and have a parent or grandparent who was Irish-born, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship by descent. However, the process can be complex, with strict documentation and verification requirements.
That’s where I can help.
I specialise in tracing the civil records needed to support your application and guiding you through each step of the process. Every case is unique, so I tailor my service and my fees - to your individual circumstances. When needed, I’ll even liaise with the Department of Foreign Affairs on your behalf.
Dual citizenship is fully permitted under Irish law, meaning you can proudly hold both passports if eligible.
Begin your journey toward Irish citizenship today
Contact me for a personalised consultation and let me help you turn your Irish heritage into an official part of your identity.
About Hibernia Roots
Hibernia Roots Genealogy Services was founded by me, Noreen Maher, a qualified and experienced genealogist with a lifelong passion for uncovering Irish family histories.
I hold a Diploma in Family History (Genealogy), along with Certificates in Oral History and Local Studies. I am a registered researcher with both the National Archives of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland, and my work has been featured in several historical journals and magazines.
In addition to my research work, I teach Tracing Your Irish Ancestors courses and regularly give talks to heritage groups and community organisations. My personal research traces my own family back to the early 1700s - with roots in Tipperary and Kilkenny, and my husband’s family from Carlow, Wicklow, Louth and Dublin.
Over the years, I have conducted research for clients around the world, uncovering stories of family members who served in the Irish War of Independence, the Royal Irish Constabulary, and the First World War, as well as those who emigrated to the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
With my deep knowledge of Irish records and history, I am uniquely equipped to guide my clients through even the most complex genealogical searches. In recent years, I have seen growing demand for my citizenship research services, helping clients gather the official documentation needed to support Irish Citizenship and Passport applications.
Whether you’re beginning your family history journey or seeking to reconnect with your Irish heritage in an official way, I bring expertise, dedication and a genuine love of Irish history to every project.
Get an Initial Assessment
An Initial Assessment allows me to identify whether there is sufficient information on your ancestor(s) to proceed with further research and produce an Irish genealogy report.
Before I can go ahead on your behalf, I will need some basic information. Let me know what you would like me to find for you.
Your Questions,
Answered
What information do I need to provide for the Initial Assessment?
Start with yourself and work back to the earliest ancestor born in Ireland. Then fill out the assessment form with as much detail as possible.
What happens after the Initial Assessment?
I will let you know if it is possible to take the research further and you can then select the type of report you would like to proceed with.
How far back can I trace my ancestors?
It depends on where and when your ancestors lived in Ireland. After the initial assessment I will tell you what is possible for your family.
Can I apply for Irish Citizenship based on my Irish ancestry?
The Irish government has specific rules on who is eligible for Citizenship by Descent– such as through an Irish born parent or grandparent. I can help you source the documentation required.
I’m planning to travel to Ireland to visit the home of my ancestors – how much in advance should I contact you?
Ideally, a 3 month lead time to carry out research and identify the location. I can connect you to additional services or experts to customize your trip for a memorable experience.
How I Can Help? It All Starts with an Initial Assessment
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Initial Genealogy Assessment - €100
Complete and pay for the Initial Assessment form so I can assess whether there is sufficient evidence of existing records to progress to a Basic Report. Once I have done the assessment, I will contact you with options for next steps. Maximum 3 hours research for the Initial Assessment. Fee: €100
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Basic Genealogy Report
If the Initial Assessment provides sufficient information to do further research, I will provide a Basic Report of my findings on one of your ancestors. This report will be emailed to you. Fee: €85
You must purchase the initial assessment first.
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Family Group Report
This report combines information in chronological order of your direct ancestors (i.e. one family) to the earliest available record and include land, census, and any other relevant records. The report is provided in in electronic format. Fee: €250
You must purchase the initial assessment first.
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Root and Branches Report
A comprehensive report, this report will include social history references, grave inscriptions and local history events if available or appropriate, e-format to cloud or bound book format option. Fee: €350
You must purchase the initial assessment first.
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Additional Services
If you require additional binders, copies of reports, an email & binder combined set, Family Tree chart prints, Brick Wall Consultations etc, these can be quoted for on-demand.
I also offer DNA results and matches, with consultation on interpreting your results & matches with suggestions for next steps.