Records dating back to 1864 are now available online as part of a new system launched by Leo Varadkar, Minister for Social Protection and Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs earlier today.
Historic birth, death and marriage records are now accessible on www.irishgenealogy.ie free of charge.
Among the records are the birth, marriage and death register entries for Tom Crean, the Antarctic explorer, whose grandson Brendan O’Brien joined the Ministers for today’s event in the National Library.
The online database also includes death registers for the Leaders of the 1916 Rising, including James Connolly, Thomas Clarke, Padraig Pearse and Eamon Ceannt.
Speaking today Minister Varadkar said: "These records give us a new insight into our past and our forebears. We are delighted to launch this incredible set of online records, which will help people in Ireland and around the world to reconstruct their own family histories."
Just launched 12.5 million birth, marriage and death records online with @HHumphreysFG. It's a great resource... https://t.co/h7Ds041vYf
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) September 8, 2016
Minister Humphreys said: “This is the first time that this huge volume of records is being made available online and it is a very important development in family history research for Irish people and Irish descendants both at home and abroad."
"Anyone wishing to research their family history will have a veritable treasure trove of records available at the click of a button and I've no doubt that these records will help unlock many mysteries that people have been trying to solve for years," she added.
Snapshot of historic records relating to #1916 Leaders now available on irishgenealogy.ie @DeptAHG @campaignforleo pic.twitter.com/Zj3SLujkQV
— Heather Humphreys (@HHumphreysFG) September 8, 2016
