Brehon Academy's list of Irish resources
Hedge schools were informal schools that operated outside the official educational system, particularly during the 18th and early 19th centuries when laws restricted the education of Catholics and other religious groups. Teachers provided instruction wherever they could—sometimes in homes, barns, or out in the countryside—and these schools became an important means of keeping learning alive despite the restrictions.
The Brehon Academy uses “hedge school” as a metaphor for learning outside the traditional classroom. Today, instead of gathering students beside a hedge, it brings Irish history, mythology, culture, and the Brehon laws of early Ireland to a worldwide audience through the internet. Its courses, videos, articles, and digital resources are intended to make aspects of Ireland’s early heritage accessible to anyone interested in learning more.
In that sense, the “digital hedge school” is a modern expression of an old Irish tradition: learning that takes place outside conventional institutions and keeps knowledge alive by sharing it from one generation to the next.
Irish Genealogy Websites and Databases
Several websites and databases can assist you in your genealogical research.
- IrishGenealogy.ie: This website provides free access to various Irish genealogy records, including civil registration records and census records.
- RootsIreland.ie: This website has the most extensive collection of Irish church records available online, with over 20 million records.
- Findmypast.ie: This website provides access to various Irish records, including vital records, census records, and Griffith’s Valuation.
- Ancestry.com: This website has an extensive collection of Irish records, including census records, passenger lists, and probate records.
- Irish Newspaper Archive: This websites provides access to Irish newspaper records.
- Irish National Archives: Guide to records deposited with the archives.
- National Library of Ireland (NLI) — Excellent free resource with digitized Catholic Parish Registers of baptisms & marriages from the 1740s–1880s. (See also: https://registers.nli.ie/).
- Irish Family History Centre / EPIC Museum Genealogy Service — Professional research services and resources linked to the EPIC Ireland museum in Dublin.
- FamilySearch.org — Free with strong Irish holdings, including civil registration indexes, church records, and the useful Ireland Genealogy Wiki for research guides and maps.
- Library Ireland — Free digitized books, including Griffith’s Valuation, Lewis’s Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837), and other historical texts useful for context.
- British Newspaper Archive & Irish News Archive — Excellent for Irish newspapers (NLI readers often get free onsite access).
- Brehon Academy Members’ Library — “Irish Clans, People, and Genealogy Books” section has over 30 books to guide your research.
Irish Genealogical Societies
Joining an Irish genealogical society can provide you with access to resources and a community of fellow researchers. Some of the most prominent societies include:
- Irish Genealogical Research Society: This society has members from all over the world. They provide various resources for genealogical research, including a library and a quarterly journal. (https://www.irishancestors.ie/)
- Irish Family History Society: This society is based in Dublin and provides a range of resources and events for family historians, including a quarterly journal, online forums, and an annual genealogy conference. (https://ifhs.ie/)
- Irish Ancestry Research Centre: This society is based in County Limerick and specializes in research for people with Irish roots. They offer a range of services, including research packages, consultations, and access to genealogical databases. (http://irisharc.org/)
- Irish Genealogical Society International (IGSI) — Based in the US (Minnesota), strong international focus with research help, events, and a large library. (https://www.irishgenealogical.org/)
- The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA) — Boston-based, promotes Irish genealogy and culture with excellent resources and tours. (https://tiara.ie/)
- Genealogical Society of Ireland (GSI) — Active society in Ireland offering lectures, publications, and community support. (https://familyhistory.ie/)
- Accredited Genealogists Ireland — Professional body for qualified Irish genealogists. (https://accreditedgenealogists.ie/)
- North of Ireland Family History Society — Offers transcribed records, extensive library, quarterly journal, monthly meetings, and volunteer assistance for researchers.
(https://www.nifhs.org/) - Ulster Historical Foundation —Excellent online databases, an essential resource for anyone with roots in Northern Ireland or the historic province of Ulster. (https://www.uhf.org.uk/)
- Cork Genealogical Society — Active local group dedicated to helping people research their Cork roots through meetings, lectures, publications, and access to county-specific records. (https://www.corkgenealogicalsociety.com/)
