Ireland Research Trip - Day 3

We began the day by visiting the National Archives of Ireland. We met with an archivist who explained the types of resources they have and showed several examples of the types of records they have. We then went downstairs to look at and search the various finding aids.

Unfortunately my ancestors left Ireland as far as I can determine in the late 1840s to early 1850s. Records were not kept until just after that period beginning in the late 1850s and on.

While I did not find my ancestors I did find many McFadden's, Collum's and Ferry's in County Donegal in and around Falcarragh. I have begun mapping them out to research them and hopefully determine if any of them are cousins.

After that some of us went to the General Register Office (Oifig An Ard-Chláraitheora) which is the central civil repository for birth, stillbirth, death, marriage, civil partnership and adoption records in Ireland. I didn't need anything from there but did search the indexes for the above names.

While I didn't find anything very helpful for me, I did get some general information and now know where to go when and if I find something.

After this, I walked around Dublin some more. Since I hadn't quite adjusted to the time change yet, I returned to the hotel, ordered dinner and a Guinness or two, then began organizing my notes and doing some online searching while things were still fresh in my mind.

Flight to Dublin and first day.

 On October 4 I flew to Dublin. I arrived at the airport at about 10 AM on October 5.

The only hiccup was my first part of the trip from Houston to Chicago. The plane arrived early but got to the gate late, so I had to run to make it to the flight to Dublin.  Fortunately I traveled light and only had carry-on luggage so I didn't have to worry about my clothes and stuff not arriving with me.

I checked into Bushwells Hotel. It was an older, smaller hotel where you leave the key with the desk when you go out. It was much better than staying at a larger, chain hotel.

I arrived a day early to get used to the time change, so after checking in and to avoid going to sleep I took a self guided tour of the city.

As I wandered around I saw St. Patrick's Cathedral.

And the statue of Daniel O'Connell (1775 – 1847), often referred to as The Liberator. My uncle, Daniel O'Connell McFadden (1900-1996) was named after him, and I was named after my uncle.

 
When I finally returned my my room. I unpacked, and got out my computer and started reviewing my family history notes and what we were doing for the week.




It was about 6:30 and I was getting extremely tired but still didn't want to sleep, so I went down to the bar and had a Guinness or two.




I returned to my room about 8 and realized I hadn't had anything to eat since the plane, so I ordered my first meal in Ireland. And I did something I never do, I got room service.




After 11, I didn't feel tired, but went to bed anyway. I had downloaded some RiffTrax to my iPad, so watched a little until I could fall asleep. I was still up at 3:30 and finally was able to sleep for a bit. I didn't wake up until after 2. I'm glad I arrived a day early and didn't have to do anything until Monday.