Search across more than 120 volumes of directories and almanacs for your Irish ancestry. These publications are a fascinating resource for family history; not only can you trace your ancestor through each annual edition, but you can also discover more about the world in which your ancestor lived.
Search across more than 120 volumes of directories and almanacs for your Irish ancestry. These publications are a fascinating resource for family history; not only can you trace your ancestor through each annual edition, but you can also discover more about the world in which your ancestor lived.
From a listing in the directory, you may be able to discover your ancestor’s occupation, place of business and/or home address. The directories were published annually, which means that you could track your ancestor year by year. Most of the details in the directories were collected six months before publication; therefore, all the listings are six months old.
The type of information you find in the 19th century Irish directories will vary depending on the publication and year. Most directories list the names of local gentry and professionals as well as merchants, traders, and, in some publications, local officials.
The records are presented as PDFs (portable digital files). This feature allows you to narrow your search by publication, year and page number. After selecting an image, you can read through the whole directory by using the previous and next buttons at the top of the image.
The Ireland, 19th century directories includes three popular directories: The Treble Almanac, Thom’s Irish Almanac, and Pettigrew & Oulton’s Dublin Almanac & General Register of Ireland. All three are directories for Dublin, but Thom’s Irish Almanac goes beyond Dublin and includes some national listings.
The Treble Almanac
1802-1844
Within this almanac you will find three separate sources: John Watson Stewarts Almanack, The English Court Registry (until it ceased publication in 1837), and Wilson’s Dublin Directory.
Thom's Irish Almanac
1844-1900
Thom’s is the best known directory in Ireland. It was published by Alexander Thom and comprises country wide lists of professionals, clergy, naval and military officers, and county officials. It also includes listings of politicians, heads of institutions and committees, and local information such as customs and tariffs.
Pettigrew & Oulton's Dublin Almanac & General Register of Ireland
1834-1850
This almanac was first published in 1834. It is unique to the other two publications because it contains a street-by-street listing of residents of Dublin. In the 19th century, it is was common for people to rent properties and move frequently. By using this almanac, you can record your ancestor’s movements throughout Dublin.
Most of the directories only recorded a person’s surname. Therefore, you may need to go through several pages of the publications before you discover the correct person.
The name search is direct; therefore, it will not search for variables. If you are unsuccessful at first, try different spelling variations of your ancestor’s name.