Tracing Your Roots in North-West Connemara

This resource is intended to serve as a repository of sources, and a guide to those who wish to trace their family history in the region. Sources vary from easily accessible online records, to more specialized local sources and national archival resources.

Genealogical research is becoming easier and more popular because of the range of resources available to the researcher. The central aim of this booklet is to provide guidance to the researcher as to which of these sources have records relating to the region and are best fit for purpose. The localized sources listed within will help the researcher in finding a tangible link to their ancestor.

View it online here:

[issuu width=621 height=290 backgroundColor=%23222222 documentId=120124195345-a3506f2b3882467088b2500d3e150d22 name=final_bookletproofed username=clifden2012 tag=connemara unit=px id=6b541247-43d3-3336-efe6-367b99ce2b52 v=2]

Or download the PDF here:

Tracing Your Roots in North-West Connemara (1.55 MB)

67 Comments

  1. .Walter A. Jordan says:

    I am interested in information about the Gorham Family. In particular about the family of an Anne Gorham born in Clifden about 1849. She went to Yorkshire,
    England and married a William Bagnall in 1871. She returned to Clifden in Oct.
    1871 for the birth of daughter Sarah. William died about 1876 and Anne married Daniel Jordan ( my Great Grandfather ) in Consett, County Durham, England in 1877.

    Thank You, Walter Jordan, Roscommon Michigan, USA

  2. Michael Coyne says:

    Two great aunts were married in a ‘RC chapel’,so described, by Fr.McAndrew;Bridget Coyne to Patrick McEvilly (1884) and Honor Coyne to Patrick Gavin (1888).This ‘chapel’ according to records was located in the Ballynakill district.The parents of the two girls,Peter and Anne Coyne were long term residents of the Cloon townland near Cleggan.Parish boundaries fo Catholics were moved in the 1860s;Cloon moving from Clifden to Omey Ballindoon and then to Ballynakill/Letterfrack.. Does anyone know the location of this chapel and whether it still exists?I am seeking some pictorial representation-if such exists-or a map reference or written representation..
    Fr.McAndrew was a long serving priest in the Clifden district.
    Michael Coyne
    Auckland NZ.

    • Robert Steingraber says:

      Hi we might have connected before thru another site but i visited this chapel last summer. is located in the village of Tully cross in Ballynakill, renvyle area. it’s the same chapel (Catholics weren’t allowed to use the term “church”l) where my 2nd great grandmother’s sister Jane Lyden married Thomas Thornton before coming to Americain 1868. i was told it was added to in 1927 but i have photos of it i’ll honestl gladly send you if you want to write me at wiccantank@gmail.com
      Robert

  3. Hello this is my first time on here and I am looking up my family history and am particularly interested in the EARLEY family and Mary Mullen who married Michael Joyce also a man named Dottle who I am led to believe was a relative of my late great father who always mentioned him as granddad Dottle all help will be greatly welcomed many thanks.

  4. Deborah Mylott McKinnon says:

    My Gr. Granmother Mary Morrin, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Flanagan) of Rusheen, was born in Ardane East 1869. She arrived in the U.S in 1889 and married Martin Mylott (IRE) in 1894. Her brother Patrick (1871) lived with them for a while in the states. She also had a sister
    Anne (1874) and Bridget (1877). The 1901 census listed Patrick and Bridget alive in the same House in Ardaun East. I am looking for any geneological connections or information. I would be most grateful for any assistance.Thank you kindly.
    Regards,
    Deborah

  5. Steven Dale says:

    Hi
    I am looking for information on Clifden family…Daniel Conneely born about 1800, married Mary Conery …children Bridget born 1828, Peter Dan, and Margaret. Most migrated to Dixon Illinois…..Any suggestions appreciated.
    thanks
    Steve Dale

    • Scott Rippe says:

      Hi Steve,

      I also have Coneely/Connelly in early Clifden. My 4th great grandparents were Martin Coneely and Eleanor Mulkerran. The earliest I can place them in Clifden is 1838, with the birth of their first son, Martin. The family emigrated to Scotland (perhaps during the famine), and then to Clinton, Iowa in 1869 — just west of Dixon.

      Scott

      • Hi Scott,

        My Great Grandfather’s brother Thomas Joyce married Bridget Conneely in Roudstone in 1896. Bridget’s Parents were Thomas Conneely (born 1835) & Anne Mulkerrin (born) 1841. We have there marriage record, which gives us the ability to approximate their year of birth. The marriage record, which took place in Carna in 1865, states their father’s names. Stephen Conneely and Martin Mulkerrin. I have a known cousin that descends from Thomas Joyce/Bridget Conneely. If you have or ever upload your DNA to GEDmatch, let me know so we can compare.

        Joel

  6. Celia Conneely says:

    I’m interested in finding out about Bridget Gorham who married John Conneely and lived in ballyconneely which are my grandparents parents

  7. I am interested in establishing the connection between my great great grandfather Michael Joseph D’Arcy, born about 1852 either in Dublin or Clifden, and the D’Arcys of Clifden.
    Family lore has it that John D’Arcy the town founder was a great, great uncle to my grandmother, Margaret D’Arcy of Leeds. Having trouble finding documents earlier than the 1881 England census.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated ,
    John

    • Hi John,
      Did you ever get anywhere in finding out more about this? My Great, Great Grandfather John D’Arcy came over to Glasgow from Connemara and he too was supposed to have had connection with Clifden.
      Not sure how many D’Arcy families there were in Connemara…
      Thanks,

      Paul

  8. john fitzgerald mannion says:

    would like some help in tracing my grandparents place of birth in Connemara area, my Grandad
    name is Patrick john Mannion born February 1915 and my nan is Nora Christine Mannion, they came to oxford England in the 1960″s with my dad who was Patrick Mannion and his sister connie mannion, lost contact with my dad when I was ten years old and since this all my family have passed away, can anyone help me please
    kind regards
    j f mannion

  9. Does anyone have information about the Jones family.

    My great grandfather John Wesley Jones was post master I think in 1863 when he married Sarah Jane Lynham in Clifden.

    Their daughter Clara Matilda married my Grandfather W T Cairns, Methodist Minister in 1902 in Clifden

    Did they live in the post office itself or in what is now the hotel next door?

    Thank for any info at all!

    Carol

    • Darcy Hamlin says:

      Hi carol,
      My great great grandfather is also John wesley Jones. My great grandfather was his son William Arthur Jones who emigrated to Chicago. In 1897. Clara was his sister. I have a lot of info about the siblings but not much of the Jones of Lynham parents. Do You L

  10. R. John Van Marter says:

    I’m looking for information about my Mother’s family. The 1911 Census showed that my mothers Father John Lally 42 and Mother Bridget Lally 35 lived in house 3 in Coolacloy.

  11. Colleen Schinkel says:

    looking for Lydon’s, Patrick and Mary, with daughter Margaret. Their son’s were sea captains. They came to Canada in the 1850-1860’s, Margaret married my great grandfather, Martin McCormack. Would anyone have any information

  12. Christine Austin says:

    Hi guys I hope someone out their could help me ?I’m from NZ trying to trace my 3 x great grand father Peter Joyce all I know is that he is from Ireland went to England married a Mary Moore and lived in Cheshire England.
    Any info would be great
    Cheers
    Chrissy

  13. I am a descendant of Bridget D’Arcy born 1836 in Clifden to Nicholas D’Arcy and Mary or May. M. Bridget married William J. Dalton. They moved to Nee York where their children were born. I would appreciate any info. Bridget was baptized in Roman. Catholic Church in Clifden.

  14. Pat Brassey Davies says:

    My Great Grandfather was a deep sea Captain from Connemara who was the first man to sail his ship under a world famous bridge. He was then presented with a gold watch to mark the occasion. He gave the watch to my Great Grandmother but it went astray during WW11.
    Apparently he was unable to marry my Great Grandmother when her son was born in 1898, and due to the birth being outside marriage, the subject became taboo within the family. All I have is a note from my Father (now deceased) giving the above information.
    Having just found this website I wondered if you may be able to guide me as to where I can search next as the internet hasn’t come up with any clues so far.
    Kind regards,
    Pat Brassey Davies nee O’Hara.

  15. Hi my dads mum was named eskin, may bee wrongly spelt, they escaped the famine and cme to uk, love to find family ty tracy

  16. steve clay says:

    hi,
    Has anyone have any information about the Mannion deserted village,consisting of about 3 cottage ruins somewhere beside the old Galway to Clifden railway line,which my wifes mothers family the Mannions used to live in the early 1920 s.They lived at the side of the railway cutting as they helped build the line,I believe the area is Tomboola as my mother in law used to walk to school there.We did find the ruins near to Ballynahinch castle 10 year ago but a few years on return could not find them as they were so overgrown.and no information.
    thankyou.

    • David Sweeney says:

      Hi Steve , just saw your post. I think the village you describe is Arkeen Beg. It no longer exists, Their were 2 Mannion family’s and a Halloran family that lived there. I also have connections to this village Regards Dave

      david.sweeney2@ntlworld.com

    • David Sweeney says:

      Hi Steve
      I just saw your message, i think the village you describe is Arkeen Beg. It no longer exists, there were two Mannion families and a Halloran family that live there. I have connections to this village also.
      Dave

  17. Mellissa Freeman says:

    Hi I’m researching my paternal grandfathers family they lived in clifden,they had a farm or so I’m told.My grandad was joseph Mcdonagh and his parents were Micheal and Catherine (maiden name was geary)and his siblings were Patrick,john,shamus (or James),Rita ,Annie,Thomas and Mary.my grandad was born in 1935 and left home when he was very young he lived in Liverpool with his wife and 7 children untill he died in 2008.I have been told that Annie married into a family named Mitchell and had quite a few children I believe that she is the only sibling left.I would love to know more about my familys past as its something i have always been proud of plus I’m supposed to look a lot like Catherine so i hope to see some photos.anyone with any information at all i would love to here from you.thank you in advance.

    • Carmel Joyce says:

      Hi Melissa, I know it’s been a long time since you posted your notice, but I have only just found this site. I am the niece of uncle joe who lived in Liverpool and if no one has replied to you yet, I can put you in touch with relatives that would possibly have photos and more information.

      My name is Carmel Joyce and my mum was Rita McDonagh before she married my dad John Joyce.

      Sadly, my mum passed away in 1990, but my dad is still alive and he and uncle joe were very close and had many a good few drinking sessions together.

      We went to uncle joe’s funeral, he was a very special man and is truly missed by us all.

      It would be lovely to hear back from you and to hear who you parents are and let’s try and get more family history going for us all to get connected .

      I live in Watford, Hertfordshire, England.

      I hope you are safe and well and looking forward to hearing from you soon

      Take care and best wishes

      Carmel. Xxx

      • Mellissa Freeman says:

        Hi I’m sorry this reply has took so long I’ve only just read it,my father is Joseph and Isabel’s oldest son Joseph,JoJo,him and my mum were very young when I was born.my name as you know is mellissa (pronounced me-lisa and I’m the oldest grandchild of Joseph and isobel.i am absolutely over the moon to have actually found someone who can help me with my family history and putting me in contact with some of them if that’s possible,I was also at my grandad funeral but it is all a blur to be honest.hope to hear from you soon.xit may be better to send me a email as I’m not sure when I would be back on this site.

  18. Mary Lynn Edwards says:

    Looking for information regarding the Curran family Patrick and Sarah Curran lived at house 4 in Ardmore (Skannive) Clifden Parish, Galay around1891. They had 7 children. One son Mark Curran was 7 in 1891.

  19. Anthony Lydon says:

    Hi , I am trying to find information about my grandfather PATRICK JOESEPH LYDON born 1891 in Derrinver and my grandmother ELLEN HOPE (helen lydon) born 1889 in Cashleen. They emigrated to USA and returned in 1919, and had children Helen,William, Patrick, Mae,Joeseph and John.
    Any info gratefully received in particular as I need to get hold of their marriage and death certificates to apply for Irish ancestry!
    Thank you in advance

  20. May Tindal says:

    Hi, I live in Adelaide, South Australia and I am trying to get information of my grandfathers family who lived in Clifden .
    My Great Great Grandfather Samuel Connis or Coneys was born in Clifden and from there moved to Glasgow, Scotland.
    Any information on the family of Coneys, Connis, or Conniss would be greatly appreciated.

    • Hi May,
      My name is Belinda Conniss, my GG Grandmother was also Belinda Conniss her Father was Samuel Conniss of Connemara, Clifden Galway. Back then the family name was spelt Coneys, you will find me on ‘My Heritage’ If you have done your DNA test, which I have then you will come up as a match with me.

      Regards
      Belinda x

    • Hi May , not sure if I have bern in touch before . I flip in and out of this . We share a gg grandfather … I am the g granddaughter of John Coneys who was one of his sons . Lots of info to share … slaing39@hotmail.com

  21. sarah laing says:

    Hi, my great grandfather was Sam coneys. Moved to Glasgow but.. there were two of them I believe. I am in Perth WA. Lots of stuff to tell you. How do we get in touch

    • Ann Crawford says:

      Hi. I’m trying to find out about the Coneys family too and it’s possible that your Samuel Coneys is the younger brother of my Great, great grandmother Eliza Coneys. Her parents were Walter Coneys and Julia/ Judith Acton. They all moved from Clifden to Scotland around the 1850’s some to Glasgow and others to the Stirling area. Hope we have the same Samuel Coneys.

      • Hi Ann
        You and I have been in touch on Ancestry lately. My name is Belinda Conniss, my GG Grandmother was also Belinda Conniss her Father was Samuel Conniss of Connemara, Clifden Galway. Back then the family name was spelt Coneys, you will find me on ‘My Heritage’ If you have done your DNA test, which I have then you will come up as a match with me.

        Regards
        Belinda x

        Reply

    • Hi Sarah,
      My name is Belinda Conniss, my GG Grandmother was also Belinda Conniss her Father was Samuel Conniss of Connemara, Clifden Galway. Back then the family name was spelt Coneys, you will find me on ‘My Heritage’ If you have done your DNA test, which I have then you will come up as a match with me.

      Regards
      Belinda x

      Reply

  22. Maria Tocker says:

    OK I know very little but I’m trying to find out about the Forde family who I believe may descend from Clifden. My great grandfather who would have moved from there as a young gent became a station master and worked in Carbury. I know little more. I’m hoping to visit the Epic Emigration Museum in Dublin to find out a bit more detail but as a Station master was quite a highly regarded position, I thought it may ring a bell with someone. I believe he later settled there and married. Need a bit of help please.

  23. Robert Steingraber says:

    i visited parish of Ballynakill last summer looking for family info.
    My 2nd great grandparents were Taghd (called Tady in US) Coyne and Catherine Lyden.
    Tady has brothers Rodger (married Ann Gannon) and Patrick (married Mary Coyne,) and a sister Sarah who married Philip Gannon (brother to Ann) all in ballynakill.
    Taghd’s parents were John Coyne and Ellen “Nellie” z Welch. Catherine’s parents were Patrick Lyden and Bridget Coyne. Catherine’s sister Jane married Thomas Thornton in Renvyle chapel before joining the combined family in Marcellus in upstate NY.
    Most of the family left in late 1840s to mid 1850s following the famine but my Taghd student leave into 1862 and my great grandfather, John and his sister Bridget were born there before they left.
    any hints would be appreciated.

  24. Caitlin Larbalestier says:

    I am seeking information on the family of John and Catherine (nee Collins) who I believe came from the Clifden area, possibly Shana Keela. They had a son Patrick born in 1801, who was baptised in Tuam that year. Michael & Bridget Kelly were the sponsors at his baptism. Patrick married a Sarah King b 1816 and they had 3 children, Mary b 1841, George b 1845 and Martin born b 1848 in Ireland before they moved to Lancashire England in around 1849. Patrick may have had a brother Peter b abt 1803.

    • Caitlin Larbalestier says:

      John Joyce and Catherine (nee Collins) Joyce were my 3 x great grandparents. this information I have from the Church records in Tuam where he was baptised on 25/04/1801.

  25. Caitlin Larbalestier says:

    I am seeking information on the family of John Joyce and his wife Catherine (nee Collins) Joyce born about 1780, who I believe came from the Clifden area, possibly Shanakeeva. They had a son Patrick Joyce born about1801, who was baptised in Tuam in the Cathedral of the Assumption. A Michael & Bridget Kelly were the sponsors at his baptism.

    Patrick married a Sarah King born abt 1816 and they while living in Ireland had 3 children, Mary b 1841, George b 1845 and Martin born b 1848 before they moved to Lancashire.

    I know nothing about Mary or George, but know that Martin married Cecilla in 1878 and died in 1819 in Atherton, UK

    Sometime before 1861 they moved to Durham, North Shields in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where they had 3 more children –

    Sarah b 1856 in Hull, Yorkshire (my great grandmother who married a William Gordon).

    Thomas b 1859 in North Shields and married a Matilda Davis and they lived in Cardiff, Wales; and

    Martin b 1864 in North Shields. and married Margaret in 1893 and they lived in Jarrow.

    Patrick Joyce died in North Shields in 1864 and Sarah (nee King) Joyce died in North Shields in 1886.

    I believe Patrick may have had brothers called Peter b abt 1803 and Martin.

    And Sarah King I believe came from Galway and may have had a sister Bridget.

  26. Alice Kovacs says:

    I am looking for information on William Stuffle and Patrick Conry, both of whom were apparently farmers in Omey Island. Also interested in Andrew Conley and Michael Conley (spelling?). I know looking for a Conley in Clifden is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

  27. Spot onn with this write-up, I truly believe that this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read
    through more, thanks for the info!

  28. Michael Coyne says:

    MARY COYNE appears as the tenant of the Rev.Magee (Catholic priest) noted on the CLOON townland,Ballinakill CP.Griffiths Valuation.This tenancy was transferred to PETER COYNE and noted in the appropriate Valuation Revision Register.Peter Coyne and his wife ANNE (nee King) remained within this townland until 1906 (see 1901 census)
    The questions are; 1. Was Mary Coyne married and if so what was her maiden name?
    2.If married what was the forename of her husband?
    3. What were the names of Peter Coyne’s siblings?
    Some presumptions and possible answers
    The pensions application of a WINIFRED COYNE supply a family list containing the forenames ,PETER and MICHAEL along with others as children of JOHN and MARY (nee Gallagher) COYNE.The ages of PETER and MICHAEL ( both listed within CLOON (1901 census) correspond closely to the ages mentioned in the pension application.
    Peter Coyne,following tradition named his elder son JOHN after his putative father.A second son MICHAEL presumably after his uncle Michael,the brother of Peter.The Winifred list of siblings is lengthy and there are probably many descendants. Peter’s male child, JOHN, emigrated to Australia; his younger brother,Michael,died in infancy.So the family name COYNE of the parentage noted exists now only in New Zealand-excepting the possible male children of MICHAEL (brother of PETER) who may have had families .Of the female siblings of PETER and ANNE ( nee KING) there are many descendants.
    The childhoods of Peter and Michael Coyne were spent in the famine years and within the Ballinakill CP one of the most severely afflicted districts regarding deaths and depopulation ;( see analysis of population demographics within Galway taken from the 1841/51/61/71 irish censuses).This and the sorry state of the Tuam Deanery/parish records contemporary with this period,make name searching difficult.
    Maybe there is someone in this region who can supply information about the families of PETER and MICHAEL COYNE in addition to what is mentioned above.
    Michael Coyne.

  29. Lettie Fortune says:

    Hello,

    I’ve discovered that I am descended from a lady called Mary, Catherine Wallace, from Renvyle, Co. Galway, Ireland. She is my great (x3) grandmother. She was born in 1811 and had five brothers – Henry, William, John, Peter and Simon. She married Cormac Faherty who was from Junp Island. I would like to find out Mary’s parents’ names – I’ve hit a ‘brick wall’. I’ve also been told by a descendant of her brother, John, that the Wallaces originally came from Perth in Scotland. If anyone knows anything about the Wallace family in Renvyle Galway, please let me know.

    • Hi Lettie,

      in 1911 there are Wallaces in these townlands in Renvyle ( Rinvyle ) – Toorena, Dawros More, Tullybeg and Cloonlooaun.
      Do you know of any particular trades the family were known to?
      I’m in Glasgow Scotland and I’m a professional genealogist so yes you will find Wallaces in Perth, Scotland.
      My folks are from Connemara – Kings and Mannions and I’m doing an extensive project on them on my website familthistoryglasgow.com
      Hope this helps and let me know if there is anything else you think I could help you with. Stephen King

      • Stephanie Copeland says:

        Hi

        My grandfather is George King. His family is from Connemara.
        His family names are Manning (Mannions), Joyce. His mother was supposedly a Lydon and her first name was Hannah. She married Thomas King, reportedly. They had children, George, Stephen, Edward(?) and Margaret. No one know the history exactly and there are many stories told. My grandfather resided in Brooklyn New York. He married Eleanor Steele. They are from Connemara and George might be born in Ireland or NY. I suspect Ireland.

      • Douglas Scott says:

        Hi Lettie,
        You and my wife are cousins – she too is descended from Cormack and Catherine Faherty. Their son Patrick emmigrated to the US in 1857, settling in Pittsburgh, PA. I would love to know more about your line and swap information.

        Douglas Scott

        • Lettie Fortune says:

          Hello Douglas

          Nice to hear from you. I am descended from Cormac and Catherine’s son, Stephen Faherty. Stephen’s grandson, Martin Faherty, was my grandfather. When I posted my original comment, I was trying to find out more about Catherine’s family, the Wallaces. I managed to find out that her mother was Penelope Wallace, but I have had difficulty establishing who was Catherine’s father. Penelope’s father in law was John Wallace. He had several sons, but I have been unable to establish which one was marred to her. I do know from census forms from the period that Penelope and her children lived with her father in law, John, at some stage. I am guessing she may have been widowed. My email address is Lettiefortune@gmail.com

    • John Lydon says:

      Hi , I my great grandfather (3x) is Cormac Faherty, but I did not have his wife’s name ,I have info on his 3 sons , Seamus, Sean, Martin , I live in New York and I am also working on a Family tree

      • Lettie Fortune says:

        Hello John

        Nice to hear from you.

        I am descended from Cormac and Catherine’s son, Stephen Faherty. Stephen’s grandson, Martin Faherty, was my grandfather.

        When I posted my original comment, I was trying to find out more about Catherine’s family, the Wallaces. I managed to find out that her mother was Penelope (Penny Wallace), but I have had difficulty establishing who was Catherine’s father. I found out that Penelope’s father in law was John Wallace from census forms. John had several sons, but I have been unable to establish which one was marred to Penelope. I do know from the census forms from the period that Penelope and her children lived with her father in law, John, at some stage. I am guessing she may have been widowed. I had contact with a Wallace cousin a few years ago who was fairly confident that Penelope’s husband was Henry Wallace, but other sources say she was married to Richard Wallace. We may never find out for sure as there appear to be no records of the marriage – at least none that I can find. My email address is Lettiefortune@gmail.com

    • Colm Wallace says:

      Hi Lettie, I believe you are a relation of my own. John Wallace is my great-great granded and is buried in Salruck. Renvyle. Email me at colmwallace1@hotmail.com.

  30. Trevor Robas says:

    Hi,
    I have seen this published on teh Heritage Connemara.org website and wondered if there is a possibility of getting help of photographing the below mentioned:

    During the 1999 survey, 17 gravestones and tombs were located, 13 of which could be identifed, and 4 which could not. These loctions are identifed by numbers on the map above, prepared during the project.

    1. Not readable; 2. Not readable; 3. McDonagh; 4. McGuinness; 5. Not identifialbe; 6. Lee; 7. Hart; 8. Mullin; 9. O’Malley; 10. Gorham; 11. Not identifiable; 12. Connolly; 13. Lydon; 14. Corbitt / Gibbons; 15. Disney; 16. Mullin; 17. Slaphton. These 17 memorials represent only a small fraction of those interred in St Mary’s graveyard.”

    Is there a possibility of photographing the Mullin (Nos 8 & 16) and noting their respective inscriptions.
    There was a grave near the gate at the private parking (SE corner) which was hard to read but I believe that it is a Mullin. I am not sure if that is either no 8, 16 or (1 or 2) mentioned above or a separate one.
    This is my Mothers family and I would absolutely love a photo of these 2 (or 3) grave sites.

    Thank you

  31. Margaret J. Clarity says:

    Trying to obtain Irish records of birth and family for John D. Clarity (dob 12-29-1831) but last name also listed as Clougherty and in 1860 Claredy. Married 9-6-1852 to Margaret Elizabeth Bannon in Savannah, Georgia. John D. was a ship builder in Savannah. Believe there is a New York, USA connection. This is my great-grandfather. Believed to have come from Connemara Area

  32. Stephanie Copeland says:

    I am a descendant of George Thomas King. My mother is Margaret King.
    George was either born in Ireland or born in Brooklyn, New York.
    My grandfather is George had a sister Margaret King.
    He also supposedly had either an uncle or brother named Stephen.

    They are from Connemara /Galway. Hannah Lydon was supposedly George King’s mother’s maiden name. His father was supposedly Stephen or perhaps Thomas.
    Joyce, Manning, King and the Folan names is also part of the family history.

    Any information would be great. Margaret Joyce King could be his Aunt but unsure.

    Many thanks.

  33. Kathy Conroy says:

    Trying to find any information about my great grandfather Thomas McDonagh’s family who lived in Derrylea, Clifden.
    He was married to Mary Anne and had children Annie, Michael, John, Martin ( Mattie) and Mary.
    He is not mentioned in the 1901 census so I am guessing he had passed by then. His wife was 50 @ that time , so I’m guessing he may have been born between the 1830’s and 1850. We have heard his family may have been from Oughterard or Northern Ireland.
    Thank you
    Kathy (Egan ) Conroy

  34. Hello Kathy
    The McDonagh Family are listed on the 1901 Census as Mc Donogh (often happens)

    http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Derrylea/Derrylea/1369870/

  35. ELENOR REILLY says:

    my grannie- Annie Logan was born in Clifden @ 1886. She was the only daughter of James or Joseph Logan and Annie Goodfellow Logan. She had four brothers. I think their names were Jamess, John, Dennis and ???
    Upon the death of her father ( year unknown) Annie Goodfellow Logan took Annie back to her hometown of Paisly, Scotland. The brrothers apparently dispersed, some possibly to Australia or the military, or the USA.
    Logan Senior was a woodworker/carpenter and family legend claims that he did at least some of the woodwork for sS Joseph’s RC church in Cifden.
    I know that grannie’s best friend growing up was Moddie Emerson who ran Ivy Lodge with her mother. If anyone has any information about the logans of Clifden I would be most appreciative to hear from you.
    Eventually, Annie Logan married Daniel A. Stewart in Paisley Scotland. After WWI, the family emigrated to Kearny NJ, USA in 1922. Their ship was the HMS Celtic.

  36. Rachel Gifford says:

    I have so far been unable to locate a baptism for my greatgrandmother, Margaret King who was born in Connemara around 1860ish. Her father was Hugh King (a tailor) and her mother was Anne (Meehan? Possibly from Co Clare)
    DNA takes me to North Connemara and a connection with descendants of a Mary King who married a man called Mark Mongan.

  37. Matthew E Davin says:

    I am looking for information on my Grandfather Martin Davin. He was born in Clifden on November 10, 1869 to John Davin and Celia (Kilmartin) Davin. John and Celia were married on January 24th 1869 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Ballyconeely. John’s fathers name was also John and Celia’s Fathers name was Michael Kilmartin.
    Martin left for America and landed in Lynn Masachusettes and then on to Boston Massachusettes where he married my Grandmother Bridget (Delia) Ruane. Bridget was born in Gort in 1877.

  38. I am looking for stories about life on Innis Turbot in the early 1900’s. My grandmother, Delia Wallace, immigrated to Brooklyn New York at age 15 in 1911. Her parents, Nora and Patrick died when she was under 5 years old. She and her 3 siblings were raised by their grandparents, Thomas Wallace and Mary (O’Donnell) Wallace. Any information would be greatly appreciated,

  39. Paul L. Sola says:

    I am interested in locating birth, baptismal, marriage records for my maternal great-grandparents; Honora (Nora) King, died 1895 and John Sullivan 1863-1901. They were likely born and married in Clifton, Ireland. They left for the United States in 1887. I was recently in Ireland, including Galway, but was with a Trafalgar Tour and could not make it to Clifden.
    Can you point me in the right direction?

    • Roger Harrison says:

      Hi Paul,
      You could maybe take a look at irishgenealogy.org. This site is a great resource for finding the kind of records you are looking for.

  40. Robert Loranger says:

    I am looking for information regarding my grandmother who was born Margaret Folan from Clifden and married James Moher from Mitchelstown after they both immigrated to the United States and lived in New Hampshire. She changed her last name to Foley shortly after immigrating . She was born around 1890 and had thirteen children. I would like to see if anyone has any family information regarding this branch of the Folan family.

  41. Kathleen Murphy says:

    Hello, I am looking for information about my dad’s grandfather – Anthony Philip Coyne (1858-Derryinver). His parents may be Nora O’Keefe and John Coyne. John Coyne married Bridget Sullivan. I have no record of Nora’s passing. My great-grandfather may have had a half brother Michael Coyne (not sure if he married or if he stayed in Ireland) and Margaret Coyne who also married a Coyne, Patrick. – many of their children including a Philip Henry emigrated to Boston, MA. My father and uncle remember meeting Philip in Chicago – My great-grandfather raised my dad – after his father died very young. I am trying to find out more information about my great grandfather’s life in Derryinver and his possible siblings near Cloonluane and information about his emigration from Connemara – Did he go to England first? I have one picture of a woman who may be Margaret Coyne, but I am not sure and would greatly appreciate any information on the Coyne family in the Rinvyle area who are descendants of John Coyne and Nora O’Keefe and his second wife, Bridget Sullivan. Thank you very much from Indiana, USA.

    Here is a research angle that I am pursuing for the Coyne family in Connemara : Civil registration of births, deaths and Catholic marriages did not begin until 1864. Catholic parish records for Ballinakill (also known as Letterfrack or Tullycross) dod have not survived prior to 1869 (save a few pages from the 1820s). As such, significant work would be required to reconstruct the various Coyne families of Cloonluane and Derryinver, by comparing and contrasting civil and parish records from 1864/1869-1901 with available land records (such as those at the Valuation Office in Dublin). By so doing, it may be possible to identify the precise plot of land on which Anthony Coyne’s family lived between the 1830s and 1900, as well as possibly identify his siblings, in Ireland or abroad.

  42. Kathleen Carlin says:

    Hello, Im researching Cosgrove’s from Clifden. My GR Grandmother was
    Mary Ann Cosgrove her father was Stephen Cosgrove married to Mary Connolly. Stephen’s father was Thomas C and Mary Connolly’s father was John Connolly. I would love to know who they were married to. Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Kathleen

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