Trace your Irish Roots
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Tour Overview
Although a very small country, the Emerald Isle has a hugely disproportionate amount of descendants dotted throughout the world and, in particular, the United States is home to a large number of people with Irish ancestry. The Irish Diaspora is a term used to describe Irish emigrants and their descendants living in countries all over the world. If, like Conan O’Brien, JFK, Shaquille O’Neal and even Barack Obama, you are a member of the Diaspora, then why not think about joining us on a fascinating tour of Ireland, where you will trace your roots and learn all about your forefathers as you travel to the place where it all began.
This tour is completely personalized to you and your particular family tree, but we have provided a basic sample tour below. This is a generic itinerary and each family tour would follow a different path, depending on the ancestry of the individual. Alternatively, you can view a full itinerary based on the ancestry of the Fitzgeralds, one of the most well-known Irish-American surnames.
Day 1
Arrival at Dublin Airport and you are met by your professional driver/guide. Panoramic city tour of Dublin. Among the many sights to see are St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Christchurch Cathedral and the Shrine of St. Valentine, after whom the February 14th holiday is named. See the Georgian Squares, Leinster House (now the seat of Parliament), the Phoenix Park which is the largest enclosed park in Europe, O’ Connell Bridge and the Four Courts. Overnight at your Dublin Hotel.
Day 2
Full Irish Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit the National Library of Ireland just walking distance from your
hotel, to research your ancestors. There is a free Genealogical Advisory Service at the Library making it easier to trace your roots. The genealogist on duty will provide you with an overview of Irish genealogical records and explain how to locate finding aids and access records. The National Archives of Ireland also has a service staffed by a genealogist who will assist you in locating records such as Census 1901 and 1911, wills, Griffiths Primary Valuation, Tithe Applotment Books and the other holdings at the Archives. Free time in the afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping and overnight at your Dublin Hotel.
Day 3 Onwards
Full Irish Breakfast. Today your Driver/Guide will meet you at your Hotel lobby or you may collect your hire car and travel to your chosen location, to the birthplace of your family and where your roots lie undiscovered. Spend a few days in the area discovering and exploring your ancestral home. Accommodation in Hotel or Bed & Breakfast.
Final Day
Breakfast at hotel. Today you must bid farewell to Ireland and your newly discovered ancestors and friends. Your driver/guide will transfer you to Shannon or Dublin Airport for your flight home.
