Introduction to Irish Family History

Overview

Overview

This evening course will run subject to sufficient numbers applying.

Family History isn’t just about the past: learning about our origins allows people to get down to the granular details of our ancestors’ lives. It enables people to construct their own family narrative and personal identity.

This module is taught through a series of eight lectures by Fiona Fitzsimons and Brian Donovan of the Irish Family History Centre (Eneclann). The course covers a broad sweep of Irish history (1650s-1950s), and is deeply rooted the records generated by churches, central and local government, enterprises, families and individuals. You will explore what section of the Irish population is documented in these records, and how to interpret the evidence.

The course provides free access to the largest Irish online collection of family information, www.findmypast.ie

You will also gain free access to EPIC and the Irish Family History Centre in Custom House Quay. It will also provide support for all participants to construct a simple family history portfolio over sixteen weeks, including creating a family profile; collecting documentary evidence; building a family tree; and writing a simple report.

This course does not include access to a computer. Participants must have access to their own computers at home for follow-up clinics and individual research.

Date, Time and Place

This lecture-only module comprises of one lecture per week for eight weeks, spread across two terms (16 lectures in total). The course commences in September 2023, pauses over the Christmas and New Year period, and resumes in January 2024.

Classes will run every Monday between 6pm-7pm. This course is taught in-person on the Trinity campus and will also be livestreamed. Lectures will not be recorded.

Please check the School of Histories and Humanities website for updates on this course at: www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/shortcourses/