Before searching original records, gather together any information that
may already be in the family.
Oral tradition, pedigrees in family bibles, letters, diaries, etc.
can be of great help.
Work backwards; it is difficult to work forwards on the basis that you
are descended from a High King of Ireland!
It is sometimes easier with the paternal line rather than the maternal.
Ask at you local library about suitable guides.
If someone else in your family has carried out research, this can be a
good starting point. Talk to your older relations while they are still
alive; you won't be able to talk to them when they are dead.
Many public record ofices have card indexes of surnames. These are
useful if you have a rough idea where your family came from.
Be prepared to work yourself. It is unfair to expect others to do work
that you can do yourself, unless you are willing to pay a professional
genealogist.
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http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ireland/
MAILTO: john(a)caughey.demon.co.uk