Walk in the Footsteps of Your Irish Ancestors
Meet a local IrelandXO volunteer who can help you explore the place your family came from, uncover local stories and make your visit more meaningful.
Request a Meet & GreetHow It Works
- 1
Tell Us About Your Trip
Share your family history research and travel plans.
- 2
We Review Your Request
A local volunteer reviews your request and ancestral connection.
- 3
We Make the Introduction
We connect you with a volunteer from the relevant area.
- 4
Explore Your Roots
Receive local insights and, where possible, meet in person.
Ready to plan your visit?
Success Stories
The first of her family to visit Ireland since they left in 1870...
Easky (Sligo)
Finding Living Relatives in Sligo
Read story
From New South Wales, Australia to Shanagolden, County Limerick
Shanagolden (Limerick)
It was very special to be able to visit the place where my forebears came from
Read story
From California to Longford
Longford
I was able to locate the exact land my family farmed on....
Read story
Ryan surname in Limerick!
Croom (Limerick)
Finding the right family lines in County Limerick
Read story
From Arkansas to Errity/Manorcunningham.
Raphoe (Donegal)
Brothers with Ulster Scotts roots return to East Donegal to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors
Read story
From Kansas city, USA to County Donegal
Inishkeel (Donegal)
Walking in the footsteps of his McCole ancestry in Inishkeel, County Donegal
Read story
From Canada to Killavullen, County Cork
Monanimy (Cork)
Discovering Irish Connections and Progressing Research
Read story
Reconnecting with living relatives in County Donegal
Raphoe (Donegal)
Walking in the footsteps of his Dill ancestry...
Read story
From Australia to County Louth!
Ballymascanlan (Louth)
It was amazing to actually go to the Church where they married.....
Read story
From New Jersery to Pallasgreen, County Limerick
Pallasgreen (Limerick)
Three volunteers give Chris a phenomenal Céad Míle Fáilte!
Read story
From Western Australia to a small village in North Kerry
Ballymacelligott (Kerry)
Ireland Reaching Out is definately living up to its name and reaching out!
Read story
Not Travelling Yet?
Join your ancestral county to:
- Receive local stories
- Get heritage news
- Learn about events
- Connect with volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free?
Yes. This service is completely free. However, we encourage visitors to make a donation to help cover costs such as insurance, administration and governance.
How much notice should I give?
We recommend submitting your request at least 6-8 weeks before your trip to allow sufficient time to identify the most suitable volunteer.
Can you help if I'm not sure where my ancestors came from?
Yes. Many of our volunteers can undertake preliminary research before your arrival and help identify likely ancestral locations.
Will someone meet me in person?
Where possible, yes. We always try to arrange an in-person welcome to help visitors reconnect with their ancestral town, village or county.
Can you help with genealogy research?
Yes. Our volunteers have extensive local knowledge and can often assist with family history research and local historical context.
Ready to plan your visit?
Our local volunteers are here to help make your journey to your Irish roots more meaningful.