Visiting Roscommon to find Murtagh/Murtaugh

Here's a handy list of spelling alternatives for Murtagh.

Broaden your search to [Murt*] ... as you can see (Tithe Records from 1835) the surname ranged from Murty to Murtha!

John Grenham's guide gives you a hint at Murtagh + Flynn parishes post-famine.

However, you might have more luck narrowing your search by seeking out a Flynn + Murtagh crossover in the pre-famine Tithe Applotment Records (if you haven't done this already)... 

PRE-TRIP HOMEWORK

Note all the MURT* parishe 1823-37 (this list is shorter) and then look for them in the parishes recording any FLIN* tithes or FLYN* tithes 1823-37 and to establish if you have any Pre-Famine Parish matches ...

Then eliminate any Roscommon RC parishes that have early 19th century church records (e.g. reliable ones like Elphin which would be showing up on rootsireland.ie).

Then from the remainder list, dig around again to see if a matching townland turns up. 

This will hugely benefit your visit. 

Re-post to this thread if you need support with townland spelling alternatives (the other big hurdle) and locating them.

Best of luck!

Hi David:  

l see that Rua has given you a good reply.  The only other comment that I would add is that I noticed that the Murtagh name (and variants) are all located in the Strokestown, Elphin areas with a smattering in Boyle. As she stated above, getting some work done prior to travel is essential and this will greatly focus your research.  

Please let us know if you need further assistance.  

Kind regards,  

Jane.

Hi David,  The village where I was born, Erra, in the parish of Lissonuffy  (Clontuskert cemetery also) many Murtaghs lived.  In fact Murtaghs and Caseys were the common names on the 1901 & 1911 census.  Murtagh is a very common name is Roscommon.  Wishing you luck in your search.  x  Ruby