Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
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Can someone else do research for me?

Selection of guides available in the PRONI search room Volumes in a PRONI strongroom Visitors conducting research in the PRONI reading room
Staff in the search room of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) will direct you the relevant archives, show you how to use the catalogues and guides and how to order a document, however they are not permitted to carry out research for visitors.
If you are unable to visit PRONI or don’t want to carry out research yourself, there are a number of search options open to you.  The option you choose depends on the level of searching you require.

PRONI Search Service

Type of research: Limited searches for specific information only.
PRONI does not offer a comprehensive genealogical service.  The PRONI search service is limited to requests for specific information in clearly identified archives.  For example;
  • a baptism, marriage or burial entry in a church record
  • a 1901 census entry
  • a copy of a will
We do not undertake ‘speculative’ searches - for example, we cannot provide details of every individual with a particular surname that appears on a register.
The aim of the PRONI search service is to provide that vital piece of information to assist you with your own research.  A straightforward search can help you to verify existing family knowledge, find the ‘missing link’ overlooked on previous research visits, or just give you a basic starting point.
The PRONI search service is a chargeable service, offered under the Freedom of Information Act in response to written enquiries only.  To request a search, you can contact us by e-mail, letter or fax or complete a PRONI Enquiry Form online.
Please do not send any money in advance.  When your request is received we will contact you to let you know:
  • if we hold the relevant records needed to proceed with a search
  • the search fee payable should you choose to go ahead with the search

Independent commercial research

Type of research: Extensive searching; family trees and other detailed genealogical searches.
Independent commercial researchers can provide a complete search service, not only consulting records in PRONI but also in other relevant archives.  They will interpret any information found and give comprehensive details on the searches undertaken.
There are many researchers in operation throughout the UK and Ireland whom you can hire to carry out research for you for a fee.  The independent commercial researchers listed on this site are known to carry out work in PRONI.
Please note: The commercial researchers listed on this site do not work for PRONI and we cannot, as a matter of policy, recommend any individual or organisation, nor can we be held responsible for the standard of their work or for any qualification or title they may claim to hold.
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