I will be visiting Co, Antrim early July. My ancestor, Mary McFall was born on Rathlin Island in 1835. She and her sister Catherine (1840) came to Philadelphia before 1850 in the company of their grandparents, Neil (Cornelius) Loughery (b.1780) and Catherine Carr Loughery (b. 1786). To the best of my research, the Lougherys were from Culfeightrin. Does anyone have access to the history of these families?
lisofin,
There are still McFalls on Rathlin, the most well known being Liam McFaul who is the RSPB Bird Warden. If visiting in July you should be able to contact him at the West Lighthouse.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49089993
If going to Rathlin in July it’s best to book the ferry as it can often be full (for morning sailings over and afternoon sailings back). https://rathlinballycastleferry.com
The ferry is foot passengers only unless you have a vehicle permit. The puffin bus meets most ferries and will take you around the island.
Rathlin’s RC parish records don’t start till 1856 and there are few other records before that. Culfeightrin’s records start in 1825, and are on-line free on the National Library site:
https://www.nli.ie/en/family-history-introduction.aspx
Can’t help you with specific knowledge of either family.