Family history: getting started
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) holds many archives that you will need to consult at some stage if you want to trace your family history.
Unfortunately, because of the destruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland in Dublin in 1922, many of the most important series' of archives for family history are not available. However, it is still possible to successfully trace your family history at least back to the early 19th century.
Before beginning your research at PRONI, you should try to discover as much as possible about your family history from other sources - this will help you get basic information together. The more information you have before you visit PRONI the more successful you are likely to be in your research, however, bear in mind that what you will uncover at PRONI will also depend on what documents have survived for the area where your family lived. A useful piece of advice is to start with your own family and then work backwards.
Family Tree Leaflet 1 - How to Trace your Family Tree (76KB) 
will give you more information on how to get started tracing your family history. Other leaflets in the Family Tree Series will explain the different types of archives that you can use for tracing your family history.
will give you more information on how to get started tracing your family history. Other leaflets in the Family Tree Series will explain the different types of archives that you can use for tracing your family history.What information do I need before I visit PRONI?
To use the archives to best advantage you should collect as much information as possible on:Names
Watch out for the recurrence of Christian names in families and remember too that variations in the spelling of surnames is very common.Dates
Dates of births, marriages,deaths and emigration (if appropriate) are vital.Places
Knowing where your family came from is very important. Try to discover the townland, village or town where your family lived. If you cannot find out the name of the townland, try at least to find out the parish or the county which may still be helpful. For further information see areas, regions and land divisions. The geographical index may also help you identify a more specific location.
