Getting Started

An essential starting point is obtaining a copy of Barney "Beag" Gallagher's book; Arranmore Links which was published in 1986. This outlines all of the islands families and, although it contains some errors (it was compiled without the aid of a computer - no mean feat), it remains the only published work on Arranmore Island genealogy.

A computer program is essential for keeping track of the various lines of your family tree as the large number of aunts, uncles, cousins etc, many with the same name, quickly becomes very confusing. I have listed a number of shareware (try before you buy) or freeware (free) programs which are more than adequate for getting started. Other commercial programs are available for more advanced functions (Note: you will be able to import your database from the free/shareware programs to a commercial program if you decide to buy one at a future date. That way you won't have to retype all the information).

The first person you should add to your database is yourself followed by your close relatives. Asking family members will lead to your tree growing relatively quickly at which time you can begin to look for people researching the same family name and exchanging information.

A Guide to Family Research in Ireland is available at:
Cyndi's List for Irish Genealogy Research
The UK & Ireland Genealogical Information Service (GENUKI)
Rootsweb
www.familysearch.org