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 Wales to Rush, County Dublin
Lusk (Dublin)
Thank you to IrelandXO, we have a whole new family!
Read story
From Sydney, Australia to County Clare
Clare
Reuniting with her Keogh cousins was a dream come true
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.