I am trying to trace my great great grandparents who came to England in 1840 ish from Tipperary. Could anyone advise me as to which port they would have sailed from/to? I thought passenger lists might help. They appear to have gone to Birmingham where they lodged with someone who could have been a relative. Many thanks
There are no passenger lists for that period from Ireland to UK. Unfortunately an awful lot of Irish records were destroyed in 1917. I have a similar problem and it's driven me nuts for 15 years.
Hi Barmaid, Thanks for that. At least I now understand why I can't find them. It appears that they came over with my then three month old great great grandfather then married in England. (Wonder if that's why they left Ireland?) Irish records do seem a bit scarce and trying to find Michael Kelly in Ireland is easy - but knowing whether it's the one you want is not!
There are organizations for almost everything. Wonder if there is some kind of Irish/English database or charity that might be able to help. There must be some kind of Irish-immigrant help somewhere. Why not start with a newspaper? I'm certain there is a paper for Irish people in Britain. Can't remember the name.
Hi Paigntonian,I am sure you're right. There are a couple of Irish family history societies which I can try as well. I hadn't thought of a newspaper; that is worth a look. Many thanks
You’re welcome, Roc and good luck! It can be difficult in Ireland. We came to a halt in the wilds of Mayo when we reached the point where the priest had got drunk and accidentally set fire to the church and everything in it was destroyed.... :-)