Trace Your Roots on the Emerald Isle
It is estimated that 35 million people in the United States today have family origins in Ireland and they are becoming increasingly interested in tracing their family's roots. Ireland has always been a popular destination, and with more flights than ever heading to Dublin from North American cities, there has never been a better time to visit. It also helps that Ireland has extensive genealogical databases that make it rather straightforward to research your family origins. For many, the next step, after determining where they come from, is to actually go and visit. There is nothing quite like walking through an ancient village knowing that generations of your family walked those same streets.
Have you been investigating you Irish heritage? Technology today makes it much easier than ever before to learn about your family origins. In Ireland you have the National Archives, Public Record Office, Ireland Family History Facebook Group (holds regular Q&A Sessions), extensive military archives, County Genealogy Centers, and the Irish government runs IrishGenealogy.ie to bring together church and civil records in one place. Although another good starting point could simply be Ancestry.com or check out one of the popular genetic testing companies right now if you are unsure whether you are Irish to begin with!
There are plenty of things to do and places to see in Ireland that may not be directly related to your family history - but make for a great vacation! It almost goes without saying that golfers will have plenty to do from a links course to a parkland game. There are also nearly endless options for whiskey and beer sampling as well as local food and shopping for traditional crafts made from Irish wool.
Personally, one of my favorite ways to experience Ireland is with a road trip. You can either self-drive or have a chauffer do all the work while you sit back and enjoy the views. No more "Honey look at that!...Oh sorry, you missed it." And spectacular vistas are in no short supply in Ireland. No matter where you end up there are rugged castles, windswept cliffs, lambs bounding through green grass, and the friendly Irish locals.
Have you been investigating you family history? Thinking about planning a trip to Ireland? Give us a call today and we will arrange the perfect itinerary tailor-made to your interests and family history!