Does anyone know of reliable sources for finding info on one's ancestry in either Ireland or Scotland?
Hubs and I have 3-4 last names (Riley...you don't get much more Irish than that) but are wondering how to find out where the ancesters came from in those countries. We have traced as far back as we can get, but would like to go farther...just don't know how to do it from this point.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
The Mormons have an excellent free website at http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp
The General Registry Office (Scotland) also has an excellent site. You can get some basic info for free. http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/
And http://www.ancestry.co.uk/ will give you access to Ireland as well.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Scotland has lots of records and many are open and on the web. I found a listing of parishes on North Ronaldsay and found my great grandfather! VisitScotland even has links. Here's the direct link to that site. ttp://www.ancestralscotland.com/
You might want to also check out this site. http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/?gclid=COKftdzW3p4CFYGV7QodAXVlJQ
Pam
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ, USA
1035 posts
How far back have you traced and when did your ancestors come to the USA? 1880s or after is going to be easier than Famine years.
If it is Famine years (1845-1855 roughly), it could be challenging. Irish records, especially if ancestors were RC, which most Rileys were, are poor. Many were burned in the 1922 GPO fire if they were kept at all.
Send me a PM with some basics and I can point you in the right direction to start a search. Personally I think it is more satisfying doing it yourself, but there are plenty of services that can do the legwork for a price.