All my Irish ancestors come from Monaghan!

Hi!  All of my Irish ancestors came from Monaghan -- or so my research tells me. So I want to know what Monaghan is like, as well as finding out more about my ancestors!  Unfortunately, my father died many years ago when I was four. My mother's family was English and Welsh. They were lovely people, but I have always longed to know more about the Irish and the Irish that lives in me. I've been researching my family's genealogy since the late 1980's but it is only in the past several years that I have made real progress on my Irish lines -- thanks to the Internet. It is the most amazing research tool! 

It's easiest to start with just one line -- my grandmother's parents:  My great great great grandfather Henry McArdle was born abt 1810. The first records of him here are in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1874. I have his death certificate, but sadly it shows his parents names as "Unknown."  That same 1874 record shows his wife as Elizabeth Connors (or O'Connor). Her death certificate shows her father's name as Edward. It gives no name for her mother. I suspect Henry came here with his wife, possibly his sister Ann and his children Mary (birth/death dates unkown) and his son Patrick Joseph McArdle. According to his death certficate Patrick Joseph McArdle was born in Monaghan, Monaghan on August 31, 1844. His obituary says he came to this country in 1841 with his parents.

I would appreciate any suggestions or help you can give me in finding more information about my Irish roots.  

  Thank you!

        Rosemary Cunningham