Hi Rob,
I would suggest you prepare what you already know of your Irish ancestors. Do you know what religion they were? Also consider checking the Roman Catholic church records available for the diocese of Tibohine (Elphin) and Kilkeevin (Elphin).
Kilkeevin records start from 1804 for baptismal and marriage records and from 1805 for burial records. These can be found at the National Library of Ireland, Pos. 4619. Tibohine records start from 1833 for baptismal and marriage records. These can be found at the National Library of Ireland, Pos. 6955 (1864). Pos. 4619. If you have any difficulty, you could try writing to the parish priest for more assistance.
Then write to Co. Roscommon Historical and Archaelogical Society (Mrs. Mary O'Connell), or Roscommon County Library (Mr. Richie Farrell). You could also contact the Heritage Officer of Roscommon County Council (Ms. Nollaig Feeney). You should include all the information that you know.
Heritage Officer Contact Details
Nollaig Feeney
Heritage Officer
Courthouse
Roscommon
Telephone: 090 6637135
Fax: 090 6637108
Email: nfeeney@roscommoncoco.ie
Please make sure you link anyone else in your family who is interested in their Irish heritage to our site - and indeed anyone else you know of Irish heritage.
Kind regards,
Sinead Cooney
Genealogist (Ireland XO)