19th Century Sources

The following records are known to be invaluable information for tracing family back previously than the 1901 census. Most records a free online but only cover from before 1880. Records can be found on microfilm in the National Library of Ireland (NLI) and the National Archives of Ireland (NAI) for records between 1880 and 1901, as well as many more helpful records.

Tithe Applotments

The names of occupiers and the size of their agricultural holdings, over one acre only, in each townland. To determine the amount that they should pay in tithes to the Church of Ireland, Claregalway Parish registered in c1827. (titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie)

Roman Catholic Parish Registers

Church (all denominations) registers of marriage and baptism are considered to be the single most important source for family history researchers prior to the 1901 census. In Claregalway we are very lucky in that we also have a register of burial for the parish, unlike many other parishes.

Baptism (Claregalway 1849-1881): 

The Catholic Church’s collection (1849-1902 available on subscription site rootsireland.ie) of the parish baptismal registry. (registers.nli.ie)

Marriage (Claregalway 1849-1883): 

The Catholic Church’s collection (1849-1908 available on subscription site rootsireland.ie) of the parish matrimonial registry. (registers.nli.ie)

Burial (Claregalway 1849-1876):

The Catholic Church’s collection (1849-1876) of the parish burial registry. (registers.nli.ie)

Also continued in 20th century sources.

Griffith Valuation’s

Primary Valuation of Ireland

A survey involving a detailed valuation of every taxable holding of agricultural or built property on the island of Ireland. Covers entire country, towns and rural areas. Completed between 1864-1865 under the supervision of Sir Richard Griffith . Date of Publication for Claregalway was 1855. (askaboutireland.ie)

Calendars of Wills and Administrations

(1858 – 1920)

Before a will can take effect, a grant of probate must be made by a court. If someone dies without having made a will, the court can grant letters of administration for the disposal of the estate. Since 1858, grants of probate and administration have been made in the Principal and District Registries of the Probate Court (before 1877) or the High Court (after 1877). They are indexed in the Calendars of Wills and Administrations, and can be searched.

census.nationalarchives.ie/search/cwa

Also continued in 20th century sources.

General Registry of Office Records

Held in the General Registration Office (Oifig An Ard-Chláraitheora ) on Werburgh Street, Dublin. It holds all official records of Irish births, deaths and marriages from 1864 and of non-Catholic marriages from 1845, as well as records relating to stillbirths, civil partnerships and adoptions in Ireland.

Civil Registery Birth: (1864-1915)

The official State records of births in Ireland. Searchable by Name, Date of Birth and Civil Registration District. (irishgenealogy.ie)

Civil Registery Marriage: (1864-1940)

The official State records of marriage in Ireland. Searchable by Name, Date of Birth and Civil Registration District.(irishgenealogy.ie)

Civil Registery Death: (1864-1960) 

The official State records of death in Ireland.Searchable by Name, Date of Birth and Civil Registration District. (irishgenealogy.ie)

Also continued in 20th century sources.

Census of Ireland

Carried out by the Irish Government the from 1821 to present, it is an official count or survey, especially of a population for Ireland. All 32 counties until the Census of 1911. The next census carried out was in 1926, after Ireland became a Free State with only 26 counties. Claregalway Parish is divided by 2 DED’s Claregalway and Carnmore.

1821 to 1891, Summary of Returns only
Continued in 20th century sources.