If you know your ancestor's county of origin, don't overlook county libraries and historical societies. I read this sage advice when looking at the County Roscommon website: "Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries." Of course you don't actually have to visit the library to take advantage of its resources. Some county websites have extensive listings of online records. Here are just a few examples:

• County Clare: www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/genealogy/genealog.htm
• County Cork: www.corkpastandpresent.ie/genealogy/genealogicallinks/
• County Wicklow: www.countywicklowheritage.org/category/genealogy

Occasionally one sees an item that looks like a gem, e.g., descendant chart for local families in Ballycastle and North East Co Mayo at www.mayolibrary.ie/en/Genealogy/. Who knows what information might be waiting for you?