Oak Ancestry

14/07/2026

Following on from our post about this wonderful new townlands App called BAILE BEO, here is our own blogpost about the wonders of Irish townlands -

Irish townland names are a treasure trove of information for genealogists and anyone researching Irish ancestry. These ancient geographical divisions, often unique to Ireland, are key to unlocking the stories of family history, local culture, and historical landscapes. If you are in the process of r...

14/07/2026

TOWNLANDS APP
This is a fantastic idea and one I hope gets the support it deserves.

Our townlands are so much more than points on a map. They are among the oldest surviving place-name systems in Europe, carrying the stories of our landscape, our ancestors, our language and our communities. Every townland name has a meaning, whether it describes the shape of the land, an ancient settlement, a local family, a historical event or a forgotten tradition.

As a genealogist and someone with a huge passion for local history, I've seen first-hand how important townlands are. They are often the key to unlocking family histories and understanding where our ancestors came from. When we lose these names, we lose part of Ireland's memory.

It's brilliant to see projects like Baile Beo encouraging people to rediscover the original Irish names of the places around them and the stories behind them. Our placenames deserve to be celebrated, used and passed on to future generations.

Well worth a read: https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2026/0714/1582544-meet-the-man-reclaiming-irish-placenames-with-app-baile-beo/

Software engineer and Irish relearner, Dave McGinn, is exploring the neighbourhoods of Ireland anew with a new app - and he wants you to join him. Kate Demolder writes.

09/07/2026

Irish townlands are one of my favourite aspects of Irish heritage. They tell us so much about the landscape, our history, and the communities that once lived there. More importantly, they can be the key to unlocking exactly where your ancestors came from.

One of the biggest breakthroughs in Irish genealogy often comes from just one clue... a townland name.

These small geographical areas have existed for centuries and can help pinpoint exactly where your Irish ancestors once lived.

Discover why townlands are so important when researching your Irish heritage in our latest blog:

Irish townland names are a treasure trove of information for genealogists and anyone researching Irish ancestry. These ancient geographical divisions, often unique to Ireland, are key to unlocking the stories of family history, local culture, and historical landscapes. If you are in the process of r...

08/07/2026

Why is tracing Irish ancestors often more difficult than tracing English or Scottish families?

One of the biggest reasons lies in a devastating event over 100 years ago that destroyed countless Irish historical records.

Despite these losses, there are still many ways to uncover your Irish family history.

Read our blog to discover how one historic event continues to shape Irish genealogy research today.

I am often so envious of British record collections. In comparison to English and Scottish records, Irish records are unfortunately not as extensive. This has a lot to do with the burning of the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin during the Easter Rising of 1916 marked a pivotal moment in Irish his...

08/07/2026

Do you have Irish ancestry?

Was your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent born in Ireland?

Every family has a story waiting to be uncovered. Whether your ancestors left during the Famine, emigrated in the early 1900s, or simply lost touch with their Irish roots, we're here to help you reconnect with your family's history.

Start with our free assessment and discover what Irish records may be available for your family.

Fill out our assessment form today:

Assessment Form Our free Irish genealogy assessment form is easy to complete. Every family is unique therefore the level of information related to your ancestor’s family may vary. But we don’t give up easily! So let’s get started, we will need some details to help you on your journey of discov...

18/04/2026

A big day for Irish researchers and families alike!

The 1926 Census returns have been released online in a landmark initiative that gives the public an insight into the lives of people living in Ireland 100 years ago.

02/02/2026

Tracing your Irish ancestry is a rewarding journey, offering a deeper connection to your heritage and history. But the experience doesn’t end with just research.

https://oakancestry.ie/why-you-should-research-your-irish-ancestry-and-visit-the-place-your-ancestors-lived/

06/05/2025

BLOG: Understanding Irish Naming Traditions
Irish naming traditions are rich with history and meaning, reflecting Ireland’s deep cultural roots. These traditions have been shaped by centuries of linguistic, historical, and familial influences, making them unique and significant.

For more on Irish Naming Traditions please follow the link to our blog below:

Irish naming traditions are rich with history and meaning, reflecting Ireland’s deep cultural roots. These traditions have been shaped by centuries of linguistic, historical, and familial influences, making them unique and significant. One notable aspect of Irish names is their Gaelic origin. Many...

16/04/2025

This is a awful news that no Irish institution can see the value in Eddie Lenihan, the great Irish storyteller, and his wonderful work. It's an utter shame and a terrible reflection on Irish universities apathy towards Irish culture.

Seanchaí gifting treasure trove of recordings to US after Irish apathy.

03/04/2025

The Irish passport has been rated the best in the world by the prestigious Nomad Passport Index. ☘️

Get in touch through our assessment form and see if you are eligible:

https://oakancestry.ie/assessment-form/

https://www.newstalk.com/news/irish-passport-rated-the-best-in-the-world-2151405

A Swiss tax and immigration consultancy considers various factors when drawing up the list and this year Ireland took the gold medal.