Claire Bradley is a Dublin-based genetic genealogist specialising in ancestry from Ireland
Ever since the Virtual Treasury of Ireland project launched, genealogists around Ireland and the disapora have been hoping that secret caches of 19th century census material would come to light. Initially, they said “don’t be ridiculous” but slowly, the tune started to change. At present, the Virtual Treasury has recovered over 157,000 names from these…
I spent the last few days in lovely Kilrush, Co. Clare for their first genealogy conference. The theme was from the Great Famine to the 1926 census. Friday night featured a talk from Zoe Reid, Keeper of Manuscripts in the National Archives, followed by a talk from Catriona Crowe, who led the project to put…
The latest edition of Fingal Studies is now out. This is the offical journal of Fingal Local Studies and Archives, published annually. The launch will take place on Saturday as part of the Fingal Festival of History, at which I’m also speaking. It’s my first time publishing an article in this journal and it’s a…
Now in its 10th year, Fingal Festival of History is part of the wider Dublin Festival of History and takes place over 26th September to 11th October next. There’s a fascinating array of talks, many of which are themed around the European Union to tie in with Ireland’s current presidency. I have two free talks…
This post covers September & October. I’ve removed the September content now it’s over! October The La Mancha Murders in Malahide as part of Fingal Festival of History. This is a repeat of a talk I did in March. Saturday 3rd October in the old Carnegie Library in Swords. This is now fully booked with…
Until now, I’ve shied away from writing anything about using AI tools for genealogy. I’ve shied away from using it too. I’m not using at all in my professional work. There’s lots of reasons for this including the two biggies: It’s also important to clarify what we mean by “AI”, which is really just a…
This post covers June, July and August. Most of these are in-person talks which won’t be recorded. June Starting your Family tree. Friday 12th June for Lansdowne and District Residents Association in Sandymount Community Centre at 19:30. Book through LADRA. Using DNA tests for family history. Wednesday 17th June for Mayo Genealogy Group online. July…
The current issue of Family Tree Magazine features an article by yours truly on the 1926 census. If you’re a member of Family Tree Plus, you can also watch back my companion talk from last month. If you’re not a member, you can get a free 7 day trial.
With the excitement about the release of the 1926 census on 18th April, you shouldn’t be surprised that most of April & May sessions are about it. Each one will be tailored for the area I’m speaking in. April (all about the 1926 Census) Tuesday 28th April in Swords, hosted by Fingal Local Studies &…
It’s not even Christmas yet but I’m prepping for January work. I’m kicking off 2026 with a talk called “Demystifying your Irish Ancestors” for the Phyllis Court Social & Family History Society. I won’t be visiting Henley on Thames in person so this members-only talk is on Zoom on Monday 12th January. On Tuesday 13th…