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
From Boston to a Castle in County Cork
Ballymacoda Ladysbridge (Cork)
Whom loves binds as one- was the inscription over the principle fireplace of Igtermurragh Castle in County Cork
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From Derbyshire to Antrim town
Antrim
We had an enjoyable couple of days in graveyards and at PRONI
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From Australia to County Limerick
Robertstown (Limerick)
We met and had tea with some cousins and saw the original homestead, we are pictured standing beside our family headstone
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From Australia to Moneygall, County Tipperary
Dunkerrin (Offaly)
We went to the church, met distant cousins, and saw the house our family lived in. More than I could ever imagine.
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From New Zealand to Westmeath
Portnashangan (Westmeath)
I came across Ireland XO about 2 years ago online and soon discovered that they were able to give me some vital information of where my ancestors home was in Leny, County Westmeath. I was so excited to get these details and others as my family emigrated t
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From Florida to the Midlands
Rathdowney (Laois)
Elaine couldn’t have been nicer and was very knowledgeable about her home area of Donaghmore and Rathdowney
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From Longford to New York and back again!
Killoe (Longford)
It was amazing, moving and only made possible by the kindness of volunteers
Read storyFrom Arizona to Moore, Roscommon
Moore (Roscommon)
Meg Grant Moloney connects with her third cousin in back roads of County Roscommon
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The Duffy Clan Reunite
Glanworth (Cork)
Local IrelandXO Volunteer Reunites a Clan of Duffys in the small village of Glanworth
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From Washington to Bruff, County Limerick
I cannot thank you enough for arranging the contact with Maresa. She is kind and clever, insightful and meticulous, guiding me for an entire day on a startling ancestral expedition.
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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.