Research services

Genealogical Resources

Family History Booklet Cover

The Cardinal Ó'Fiaich Library and Archive currently offers a genealogical service, using the Catholic Parish Records of the Armagh Diocese, which includes parishes in Counties Armagh, Tyrone, Derry and Louth. These primary sources of research are supported by a wide range of supplementary sources, which include gravestone inscriptions of the Diocese of Armagh, reference materials on place names, town lands and family names, as well as other sources of interest to the genealogical researcher in Armagh. The library also offers expert advice on the etymology of place names, town lands, ancient ecclesiastical sites and parishes, and the history of Gaelic and Norman families.

The following are some of the major genealogical sources available to the public at COFLA:

Tithe Applotment: 1823-1838 for Armagh, Tyrone, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Antrim.

All heads of households who paid taxation to the Church Of Ireland

Griffith's Valuation: 1848-1864 for whole of Ireland.

Lists almost all heads of households in Ireland.

Roman Catholic Parish Records (Archdiocese of Armagh)

These records can only be searched by a member of staff.

Baptisms, Marriages & Deaths

All RC parishes in the Archdiocese of Armagh (including Lurgan). Mainly 19th century but with some 20th century and some 18th century especially for County Louth.

County Armagh

Armagh, Ballymacnab, Ballymore, Creggan Lower, Creggan Upper, Derrynoose, Dromintee, Drumcree, Forkhill, Killeavy Lower, Killeavy Upper, Kilmore, Loughgall, Loughgilly, Seagoe (Diocese of Dromore), Shankhill (Diocese of Dromore), Tynan

County Louth

Ardee, Carlingford, Clogherhead, Collon, Cooley, Darver, Drogheda, Dundalk, Dunleer, Faughart, Haggardstown, Kilsaran' Knockbridge, Lordship, Louth, Mellifont, Monasterboice, Tallanstown, Termonfeckin, Togher

Counties Tyrone and Derry

Aghaloo, Ardboe, Ballinderry, Beragh, Clonfeacle, Clonoe, Coagh, Coalisland,, Cookstown, Donaghmore, Dungannon, Eglish, Errigal Kieran, Kildress, Killeeshil, Lissan, Pomeroy, Termonmaguirc, Magherafelt, Moneymore

Standard search fees

Minimum search: £10, €15, $20, Au$25

An additional fee may be charged relative to the amount of time needed for a particular search. Officially signed Baptismal, Death and Marriage Certificates cost an extra £5, €8, $10, Au$ 12. If paying by non sterling or non Euro cheque an additional bank charge of £3, $5 or Au$8 must be included. Sorry but we cannot facilitate credit cards.

The Irish in America

This collection includes records dating back to the famine and contains many volumes of books relating to Irish immigrants to America at this time. There are also significant records on the history of the Catholic Church in the United States over the past century and more.