Launch of findmypast.ie Sees Most Comprehensive Irish Family History Records go Online

DUBLIN, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Online Access to Over 4 Million Irish Records Dating From 1400 to 1920s at Launch

- Over 50 Million Records Available in First 12-18 Months

The 80 million people worldwide who claim to have Irish ancestry, half of which (41 million) are Americans, have limited resources to prove their claim but now thanks to the launch of family history website http://www.findmypast.ie many will be able to make that connection with their past.

Findmypast.ie will carry the most comprehensive set of Irish records ever seen in one place, going back to 1400 right up until the 1920s, including the Landed Estates Court Records[1], the complete Griffith's Valuation of Ireland[2] and the Directories collection[3].

From today, people can search over 4,000,000 records that will be made available on http://www.findmypast.ie. For the first time the public will be able to search high quality images of these records, providing a fascinating insight into Ireland's history and making Irish family research easier and more accessible than ever before.

Cliona Weldon, General Manager at findmypast.ie, said: "Our new site offers a crucial entry point to family history researchers trying to locate Irish ancestors, from novice family historians to seasoned genealogists who have hit a 'wall' in their research. As well as helping people trace their ancestors, these records shed more light on our ancestors' day-to-day lifestyles."

Brian Donovan of Eneclann, commented: "This is a major achievement. By teaming up with findmypast and brightsolid, we are bringing Irish history to life for millions. These remarkable records are available online to researchers and family historians all over the world for future generations."

As a result of mass emigration, millions of families worldwide have roots tracing back to the Emerald Isle and potentially back to influential Irish figures.

    Did you know?
    - Irish credited with building the White House
    - JFK had Irish roots
    - Nine of the signatories of the US Declaration of Independence were Irish
    - Irish built the railways that connect America today
    - The Irish are also credited with building Manhattan
    Notes to Editors
    [1] Land & Estate records

findmypast.ie uniquely includes the Landed Estates Court records. These records, compiled from 1850-1885, give copious details about over 500,000 tenants residing on estates all over Ireland, with tenancies dating from the late 18th century, plus maps and drawings of locations.

[2] Griffith's Valuation of Ireland

A number of useful nineteenth century census substitutes are available to search on http://www.findmypast.ie. Perhaps the most important is Griffith's Valuation (1847-1864), which lists approximately 80% of householders in Ireland and includes the names of over 1,400,000 individuals.

[3] Directories

Directories started to be used in the late eighteenth century and became more prevalent as economic and trade activity increased. The http://www.findmypast.ie directories collection contains over 2 million names.

    For further media information, please contact:

    Stuart Lerman
    Lansons Communications
    +44(0)207-294-3674
    [email protected]
    Carolynne Bull-Edwards

    brightsolid
    [email protected]
    +44(0)7932723866

    Or visit:
    http://www.findmypast.ie
    http://www.Eneclann.ie
    http://www.brightsolid.com

SOURCE www.findmypast.ie