Family Tree
Your own family tree
What is a Family Tree?
How Does a Family Tree Work?
• Level 2: Two parents
• Level 3: Four grandparents
• Level 4: Eight great-grandparents
• And so on, expanding with each generation.
Goals of Genealogical Research
1. Expand the tree by identifying additional ancestors and branches.
2. Ensure accuracy through verified historical records.
3. Enrich the tree by adding biographical details and historical context about ancestors.
Creating your family tree
Begin by documenting the information you already have about your family history. Record names, dates, and relationships to create a foundation for further research.
Speak with your eldest living relatives and document their stories. Look for:
•Photographs (especially those with dates)
•Family Bibles with recorded births and marriages
•Mortuary cards, scrapbooks, and other family heirlooms
Once you have basic details, check if your ancestors appear in:
•1911 or 1901 Irish Census
•Griffith’s Valuation (1847-1864)
Confirm your findings using official documents, such as:
•Birth, marriage, and death certificates
•Church records
•Local archives and historical databases
Create a simple and structured filing system to manage your growing collection of records. Keeping organized ensures that your research is accessible for future generations.
Once your research is well-documented, consider publishing your findings, either:
•Privately, for family members and descendants.
•Publicly, as a book or digital resource.
Free booklets to help create your family tree
Get started with a simple, structured family tree template, designed by The Genealogical Society of Ireland to help organize and document your ancestors.
[Download the Family Tree Template here]
“Tracing Your Ancestors in Ireland” (28-Page Guide)
This comprehensive genealogy guide, produced by Fáilte Ireland, provides essential tips on Irish ancestral research, historical records, and research strategies.
[Download “Tracing Your Ancestors in Ireland” here]
“Family History Research – Sources at The National Library of Ireland” (24-Page Guide)
This booklet, created by The National Library of Ireland, outlines key resources for tracing Irish ancestry, including birth, marriage, and census records.
[Download “Family History Research – Sources at The National Library of Ireland” here]
Computer-based systems for documenting your family tree
Computer-Based Systems for Documenting Your Family Tree
Genealogists today have access to a variety of computer-based systems that make documenting and organizing family history more efficient. These systems provide structured tools for recording relationships, events, and historical data in a digital format.
Many software programs allow users to input family information, generate charts, and integrate historical records. Some also support collaboration with other researchers and offer cloud storage for easy access.
A list of genealogy software options can be found on Wikipedia’s Genealogy Software page, which provides an overview of available programs and their features.
Using a computer-based system helps ensure that your family tree is well-documented, organized, and accessible for future generations.