Tracing Your Irish Ancestry

Of course. Many people of Irish descent living abroad have successfully traced their ancestry using parish records, census data, old land deeds, burial records, and civil archives. While these documents have their limitations, we work with genealogy experts to help you uncover and interpret records and guide your research, enabling you to discover your Irish roots. A paper trail is only the start, though – once you’ve uncovered enough information about your family’s past, you’ll have to travel to the Emerald Isle to discover the Ireland of your ancestors yourself.

Learning about your heritage should be a fun and fulfilling activity. You can start to tell the story of your ancestors through a combination of genealogy research, storytelling, cultural exploration, and travel. By connecting with local historians, meeting the people of Ireland, getting a hands-on take on learning about Irish traditions, and even visiting ancestral homelands, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the people, places and traditions of Ireland that have shaped your family history.

Yes, several excellent online resources can help you get started. Websites like the National Archives of Ireland, IrishGenealogy.ie, and RootsIreland.ie provide access to birth, marriage, death and census records. For those on a private tour or custom-built trip, work with your Custom Travel Designer to help you navigate these tools before or during your trip.

Absolutely. At Wilderness Ireland, we offer bespoke tours tailored to suit your interests – be that a deep dive into Irish whiskey, an underground exploration of Ireland’s caves, or an ancestry-focused trip that blends personal genealogy research with meaningful travel experiences. You can explore the counties your ancestors came from, visit ancestral homesteads, meet local historians, and enjoy authentic Irish culture along the way.

Yes! Visiting Ireland can be a powerful and emotional journey for anyone, particularly for a person with Irish heritage. Walking the same landscapes your ancestors knew – perhaps even admiring the same view or landmarks! – brings a unique and personal connection to your ancestry. Whether visiting a village once inhabited by a distant ancestor, a family grave, or simply immersing yourself in Irish traditions, the experience often feels deeply rewarding.

Yes, for those interested in exploring their heritage, we work with professional genealogists who can assist you in discovering your roots.

Of course. While many of our guests have ancestry ties to Ireland, not everyone chooses to explore those roots in detail. Some prefer to explore their heritage by touring Ireland, following their own must-see bucket list.

Other guests choose to combine ancestry research with cultural or active travel. Whether you dream of hiking the landscapes once walked by distant ancestors, learning about Irish traditions in hands-on activities, or prefer to connect with your heritage through Irish music and food, we’ll craft a trip tailored just to you.