SW Donegal Irish Genealogy
& Our Irish Heritage

Welcome!

Welcome to the SW Donegal Genealogy and Heritage Homepage. If your ancestors came from this part of Donegal, then consider we are related somehow. Come on in. The turf fire is burning, and the tea is hot.

Introduction

This site is primarily intended to be a service to the users of cousin Jimmy Dunn's Kilcar Genealogy Home Page by listing helpful books, resources, videos, maps and other references available on Donegal Genealogy, History, and Culture.

Knowing where to start is often all it takes before the adventure in documenting the family history begins. We are deeply indebted to the cousins who made our own searches much easier. Some of the best sources of information on Irish genealogy come from more experienced genealogists who have interest in the same geographical area. The Family Life Center of the local Mormon Church, the Public Library and one's favorite bookstore, especially, Irish Books and Media, Inc., can be very helpful. IB&M, managed by Ethna McKiernan and her father Dr. Eoin McKiernan, founder, has provided a significant portion of the material listed on this page. Unless noted, you can order any of these books or tapes from Irish Books & Media, Inc. Prices are in US ($). Books on Irish history and culture represent a very specialized niche in the publishing trade. Many books listed may soon be out of print; therefore, if you see something you like, don't procrastinate. Developing a library of books on Irish history and culture will prove to be a valuable investment indeed! If you have a collection of books on Donegal and would like to share your list, send it to me at email address below.

Before diving into your family tree, it is important to get started on the right foot. As the weeks turn into months and years, you will accummulate large amounts of pictures and information that will need continual updating. This is best managed by mastering a user-friendly software program. I use and recommend a very versatile shareware program called Brother's Keeper developed by John Steed. You can download it, try it, and if you like it, register the program for a nominal fee.

When time and feedback permit, users are encouraged to comment on the books or resources they have used as well as ways to make this site more useful. Other contributions are also welcome. KJG

Table of Contents

Books

Music


Video

Links

General Genealogical Resources

There are literally hundreds of books on Irish Genealogy. Get on IB&M's mailing list and see the latest material by contacting:

Irish Books and Media, Inc.
1433 Franklin Ave. East
Minneapolis, MN 55404-2135
612-871-3505 (ph.)
612-871-3358 (fax)
800-229-3505 (orders)
USA

For specific information via e-mail contact: Irish Books & Media, Inc.
or Irish Books & Media webpage.

Special Offer!

Trace Your Irish Ancestors by Sean E. Quinn
A well written guide for genealogical research, listing sources for research (census returns, civil registrations, parish registers, etc.), well-known genealogical repositories (National Library, National Archives, Public Records Office, Belfast [PRONI], Registry of Deeds, etc.) and lesser known repositories (Linen Hall Library, the Friend's Library, Irish Jewish Museum, the New Register Office in Edinburgh), plus information on counties, the administrative divisions of Ireland, keeping family records, and a lengthy chapter on the background to the 100 most numerous surnames in Ireland. Paper, 121 pp., $11.95.

A Genealogical Guide for North Americans by Kyle J. Betot and Dwight A. Radford
One very useable source for beginning and advanced researchers. Explains administrative divisions in Ireland (province, diocese, townland, civil parish, barony, etc.) Includes lists and explanations of all types of sources and archives. Large paperback, $18.95

New Genealogical Atlas of Ireland by Brian Mitchell.
This atlas provides at least three maps of each county showing the six different admininstrative divisions to which all record sources are linked. Paper, 123 pp., $18.95

A Guide to Irish Parish Registers by Brian Mitchell.
Now back in print. Lists all Irish parish registers, dates available, and how to acess them. Also links to Griffith's Valuation of Ireland, the great survey of property holders taken between 1848 and 1864. It also provides map references to Brian Mitchell's New Genealogicial Atlas of Ireland and to the maps in Griffith's Valuation. Hardcover, 136pp., $25

Irish Records: Sources for Family and Local History by James G. Ryan
One of the most comprehensive sources available. Includes illustrations of records. A very good reference. Hardcover, 562 pp., $39.95.

Irish Names

More Irish Families by Edward MacLysaght
A new paperback edition of this classic book, first published in hardback in 1982. Includes an essay on the Irish Chieftains, appendicies, and maps. Entries are easily accessible through an extensive index. This is the companion volume to MacLysaght's Irish Families (still available in hardback at $49.95). Paper, 256 pp., illus., $25.95. (Irish Academic Press)

The Surnames of Ireland by Edward MacLysaght
More than 4,000 Gaelic, Norman, and Anglo-Irish surnames are listed with brief information on origins. Locations of ancient territories and population groups are cited. Technical terms are clearly explained, and appendices and maps are included. Paper, 313 pp., $11.95.

The Book of Ulster Surnames by Robert Bell.
Over 500 of the most common names are presented along with their histories, with references to thousands more. Glossary, index, and select bibliography. Paper, 285 pp., $19.95.

Irish Family Names Map by Bartholomew
A colorful pictoral map with the locations of names of Gaelic septs and principal Hiberno-Norman families, indexed, and surrounded by full-color family shields. An attractive wall poster $6.95.

Dictionary of Irish Family Names by Ida Grehan
550 concise entries with a brief entymology of the name, related forms, origins, and geographical distribution. Hardcover, 320 pp., $24.95 (1-57098-137-X)

Irish in America

The Search For Missing Friends, Vol. 5, 1861-1865 Irish Immigration Advertisments Placed in the Boston Pilot edited by Ruth-ann M. Harris and Donald Jacobs
The "Missing Friends" column was a standing feature of the Boston Pilot, providing a means of advertising for friends and relatives, assisting thousands of immigrant searches. These volumes present a chronological transcription of the ads for the years indicated. Future volumes will cover the years from 1866 to 1916. Key information provided in the ads--county, township and parish of origin, ports of entry and destination, age, occupation, etc.--make this an important source. An additional feature of Vol. 5 is a 100 page essay recounting the role of the Irish in the American Civil War. Also available: Vol. I (1863-1850), II (1851-1853), III (1854-1856) and IV (1857-1860). Each is hardcover, appx. 700 pp., $45.00 each.

My Life in the Irish Brigade The Civil War Memoirs of Private William McCarter, 116th Pennsylvania Infantry, edited by Kevin O'Brien
While many books have been written about this elite unit, a personal written account by an enlisted man provides a unique view. His account of Fredricksburg Campaign is remarkable. Hardcover, 266 pp. $24.95. (1-882810-07-4)

The Uncounted Irish in Canada and the United States by Margaret Fitzgerald and Joseph King
Intensive research challenges previous assumptions about Irish immigration, revealing forgotten areas of Irish American social history. "New World" branches include New Brunswick, Mirimichi, Wisconsin, Texas, Iowa and California. The Fenian attempt to establish an Irish republic in Canada is also recounted.

The New York Irish edited by Ronald H. Bayor and Timothy Meagher
This hugely important book chronicles the history in NYC in over 25 essays covering successive chronological periods and special events from colonial New York to 1992. Essays cover historical and cultural aspects as well as statistical information on the Irish populations in each of the New York boroughs. Hardcover, 743 pp., $45.

The Irish in Dakota by David Kemp
A study detailing Irish immigrant settlers' experiences in Dakota territory from 1854 through the arrival of statehood (1889). Over 40 b/w photos with extensive references to ancestors of many Irish Dakota residents living today.

Irish History

The Course of Irish History edited by T. W. Moody and F. X. Martin
First published in 1967. Long regarded as the best one volume survey history of Ireland, this latest edition has been updated to the events of 1994. From prehistoric Ireland, through the Viking era, Penal Laws, Fenianism, Parnell up to today.

Crisply readable, highly recommended. Paper, notes, bibliography, chronology index, $16.95

Dictionary of Ulster Biography edited by Kate Newman
This valuable reference work will be important to any student of Irish history. It explores the lives of the women and men who have belonged to Ulster and have achieved in some significant way, from the first century's King Conor MacNessa to 19th century historian William Lecky and a host of others. Paper, 278 pp., bibliography, $21 (0-85389-478-7, Institue of Irish Studies, Queen's U., Belfast)

Ulster 1641 - Aspects of the Rising edited by Brian MacCuarta
In 1641 a breakdown occurred between natives and settlers in Northern Ireland along ethnic and religious lines. This collection of essays examines the origin and impact of the conflict. There are background articles on the Plantation, Protestantism and the British political setting. Valuable for both students of the relationship between religion and society in early modern Europe and for anyone interested in Ireland's troubled past. Paper, 240 pp., $19.95.

A Traveller's History of Ireland by Peter Neville
A book for the traveller and the student of Irish History from prehistory upto the 1990's. Includes a fabulous index, a chronology of major events, historical maps, and lists of battles with many illustrations. Paper, 277 pp., $14.95.

The Famine

Did you know Donegal fared much better than southern counties during the Famine? Read more and find out why.

The Great Irish Famine edited by Cathal Póirteir
This broad-ranging series of 16 essays will be broadcast on Irish radio as part of the Thomas Davis Lecture Series.

Leading historians, economists, and geographers from Ireland, Britain, and the United States offer up-to-date research from a wide spectrum of disciplines as varied as medicine, folklore and literature. Topics covered include change in landscape, food, fever, the role of the poor law, famine relief, eviction, folk memory, the famine in literature, and famines today. Paper, 288 pp. $17.95

Letters from Ireland During the Famine of 1847 by Alexander Somerville, edited by D. K. M. Snell.
Alexander Somerville's unique account of the Irish Famine was first published in 1852, but remained unknown to most historians. This newly-set edition contains a detailed introduction by Dr. Keith Snell.

The strengths of Somerville's complusive prose lie primarily in its description of rural hardship, its personal account of the famine, its remarkable use of verbatim evidence, and its sympathy toward the plight of the Irish poor. Paper, 225 pp., $25.95

The Irish Famine A Documentary History by Noel Kissane
The National Library of Ireland and other depositories are the source of this collection of documents that includes contemporary newspaper reports, workhouse records, maps, statistics and engravings. A running storyline guides the reader through the context of documents including firsthand accounts as the tragedy (1845-1851) unfolds.

The Dept. of Manuscripts holds the records of many of the great landed estates, which provide an excellent primary source for understanding the role of the landlords in Ireland's great catastrophe. Paper, large format, 185 pp., $16.95

Death in Templecrone An Account of the Famine Years in Northwest Donegal 1845-1850 by Patrick Campbell
Having grown up in the Parish of Templecrone, Patrick Campbell came across while researching A Molly Maguire Story stories about the famine. His research indicated the death count was much higher than first indicated. This straightforward account and real life characters provide an excellent portrait of the Famine in Donegal. Paper, 193 pp., $11.95 [July 2000].

Famine by Liam O'Flaherty
The classic Irish epic following the lives of three generations of Kilmartins through the Great Famine of the 1840's. Paper, 448 pp., $13.95. [July 2000]

Kilcar & Donegal History Books

Donegal County History and Society (A Series) from Geography Publications
A scholary and comprehensive look at the history, economics, and culture of County Donegal. Available at $79.95 each. {July 2000].

The Siege of Derry in Ulster Protestant Mythology by Ian McBride
The study of the Siege of Derry - the key political myth in Loyalist culture- which reconstructs the ways in which the defense of Derry has been interpreted and commemorated over the last 300 years. The Siege provides a "unique insight into the mixture of triumphalism and insecurity that lies behind the slogan "No Surrender!". Hardback, 96 pp., Now $21.95 [July 2000]

Ulster Libraries Archives, Museums, & Ancestoral Heritage Centres by Robert K. O'Neill
This pocket-sized guide introduces the visitor to the wealth of research resources available in the nine counties of historic Ulster: Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Derry, Monaghan and Tyrone.

Essential information such as location, phone numbers, access conditions, contact names and services is clearly arranged. There are also additional details about special collections, publications and interesting historical notes. A feature of great use to family and local history researchers is the vital reference details for each parish for the crucially important tithe and valuation records from c. 1830 in the record offices in Belfast & Dublin. Paper, 176 pp., $14.95 (0-901905-79-8 Ulster Historical Foundation)

Red Hugh - Prince of Donegal by Robert T. Reilly
Children and Adults. The true and most fabled story of Red Hugh O'Donnell set in the year 1587 is a must know fact for those interested in Donegal History. Held hostage by Queen Elizabeth's forces, can he escape to help his fellow Irish fight the English. The answer makes a wonderful and educational story. Paper, 208 pp., $11.95.

Books on Donegal Genealogy

A Guide to Tracing Your Donegal Ancestors by Godfrey F. Duffy
Donegal families are an interesting mixture of native Irish and "Scots-Irish" who came to Donegal from the 17th Century onward. This book sets out the records available for researching Donegal families. Sources include church records, civil and land records, censuses, newspapers, commercial directories, school records and others. It also details where these records can be accessed, and how they can be most effectively used tracing Donegal families. Paper, 96 pp. Illustrated and indexed, $13.95.

Similar guides are available for Mayo, or Kerry.

Books by Kilcar Authors

In-Through People "Rambles in the Bogagh [Kilcar] Bus" by Michael O'Donnell
Michael O'Donnell, a postman from Bogagh, Kilcar, Donegal captures the people of SW Donegal from 1924 to 1944. Published by Donegal Printing Co., Letterkenny, Tel (074) 21710, or (fax) (074) 25697.

A Collection of History & Heritage of Kilcar by Áislann Cill Chartha, Kilcar, Co. Donegal
A very worthwhile book providing detail on Kilcar and its inhabitants not seen elsewhere. $12 (US) postpaid. See info in John Haughey's Kilcar.Net link in the Table of Contents or e-mail Aislann Cill Chartha.

Historical Videos

The Two Traditions: A Three Vol. Series in Video
Produced by Radharc Films, the first video, 1641 and The Curse of Cromwell covers the period beyond the rebellion of 1641 where Cromwell waged a savage 9 month campaign resulting in death and the devastating Cromwellian resettlements of 1652-1654 --"to Hell or Connaught".

The Penal Days documents the Penal Laws of post-Cromwellian Ireland which discriminated against Catholics well into the eighteenth century.

Origins: the Two Cultures in Ireland explores the Plantation of Ulster.

All (3) videos can be purchased for $.

The Day Before Yesterday A three volume set featuring the Photographs by Fr. Browne
A three volume video package chronicling Irish history from just after the War of Independence onward (1916-1950's). Topics include politics, the "hungry 30's", emigration, the Catholic faith, and more. Many photographs from famous Fr. Francis Browne are used. Narrated by Michael Ryan of RTE. Approx. 3 hrs., $ for the package.

Kilcar, Donegal Records

Donegal Historical Associations

Donegal Historical Society
Publisher of the Donegal Annual. A diverse, valuable, and scholarly resource on history and genealogy from Donegal. Quarterly. Annual Dues are $18 (US). Write for more information:

Mrs. K. Emerson
Co. Donegal Historical Society
Ballyshannon,
County Donegal
Ireland

Donegal Today

Tory Island Images by Martine Franck
Tory is a small windswept island off the NW coast of Donegal. Only 130 people live there. This collection of photographs show with great simplicity and sensitivity, the people who inhabit Tory Island at the end of the twentieth century.

Travel Books & Video

Contact Déirdra McKiernan regarding tours of Ireland.
Déirdra is a sister of Ethna McKiernan at Irish Books & Media.

The Rough Guide Ireland by Sean Noran, Margaret Greenwood and Hildi Hawkins
A great reference for savvy travelers. Aimed at cost-conscious travelers, this independent and opinionated guide gives candid descriptions of sights worth seeing in the Republic and in the North, with complete information on transportation, accomodation, food, and the peculiarities of Ireland that the visitor should know. Paper, 567 pp., $16.95

Exploring Rural Ireland by Bicycle by Martin Ryle
The author describes 22 routes he has cycled presenting a practical and refreshing description of the Irish landscape not seen by passing cars. Trips range from the Blackstairs Mountains south of Dublin, to the unspoiled seacoasts of Cork, Mayo, and Donegal and more. Background information, maps, and useful advice make this an invaluable book when planning such a trip.

Be an informed tourist. For a list of available travel books, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope marked "Travel" to Irish Books and Media.

Donegal: A Video (Counties of Ireland Series) narrated by Irish actor Philip O'Sullivan featuring Margo and John Kerr and Daniel O'Donnell.
The latest video in a series of superb quality depicting the breathtaking beauty of Ireland's northernmost county, a region of great contrasts. Our hour-long visit takes us along rugged hills and awe-inspiring cliffs to Killybegs, the Rosses, Glencolumbkille, Letterkenny, Donegal Town, and Glenveagh National Park.

Four hundred miles of spectacular coastline lead us to Inishowen Penninsula and Malin Head, and from there it's a windy seven miles more to Tory Island. Color, 60 minutes, $. Other videos include Kerry, Galway, Clare, Dublin, and Mayo; $ ea.

Donegal Music

If you like Celtic music, Donegal has its share of contributors. Check with Your Public Radio Station listings for the Thistle and Shamrock hosted by Fiona Ritchie. Play lists can be obtained by writing:

Fiona Ritchie
Thistle & Shamrock
PO Box 560646
Charlotte, NC 28256

If your a fan of contemporary Irish celtic music, check out Green Linnet Records.

weaver.gif - 8.85 K -From the Work of the Weavers and Peter's Ice Cream Shoppe

To experience the Celtic Folk Tradition with a Northeastern Pennsylvanian twist based on traditions handed down by many of our Donegal acestors who worked the coal mines, listen to the Donegal Weavers' Work of the Weavers. Cousin John Dougherty plays the guitar and bodhran as a side to his surgical practice. You can write:

The Donegal Weavers
PO Box 2820
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703

Music Books

Between the Jigs and the Reels: the Donegal Fiddle Playing Tradition by Caoimhin MacAoidh

Written by a well-known fiddler and author of numerous popular and scholarly articles on Donegal fiddle music, Between the Jigs and the Reels is a major 320 page book on the Donegal fiddle-playing tradition and its social background. It traces not only the development of the fiddle tradition but also that of traditional music in general in the country.

The dancing traditon, the colorful traveling musicians, the link with Scotland, the art of lilting, the folklore associated with airs, and tunes, the great figures of Donegal music, who embellished the tradition they received from forgotten masters, are vividly recalled. Paper, 320 pp., including an up-to-date discography of Donegal music, $20

Irish Folk Songs by Bill Meek
The perfect introduction to the rich Irish Folk Traditions, this book provides 40 popular songs complete with musical notation and background. Paper, 96 pp., Now only$5.95.

top

Created: May 1, 1997
Revised: July 22, 2000
Contact: Kevin J. Gillespie