Roscommon is unique in that it has great sources of information from national databases available within the county, not just for Roscommon but for all Irish counties.
Parishes in Co. Roscommon 1845-1949
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Roscommon Heritage and Genealogy Centre
If your ancestors came from Roscommon and you are interested in tracing their origin, the Roscommon Genealogy Centre is worth checking out on www.roscommonroots.com
They can carry out research on your behalf, but do advise you to have as much information as possible gathered before you submit an application for detailed research as their fees are non-refundable.
The centre has been offering a research service to people with Roscommon roots since 1988. They are the official genealogy research Centre for County Roscommon, and the designated centre of the Irish Family History Foundation.
Their main sources are:
- Church records pre 1900
- Civil Records of birth, marriage and death, pre 1900
- Tithe Applotment Books (1820’s/1830’s)
- Griffith’s Valuation (1857)
- 1901 and 1911 Census
- 1749 Elphin Diocesan Census
Roscommon Library Resources
Roscommon Library service has a treasure trove of information available on County Roscommon. Well worth a visit but leave enough time as you relax and go back in time.
In branch library resources
Local History Collection
For those with an interest in their local place or place of origin, Roscommon Library has placed a small local history collection in each of their branch libraries, of which there are seven. The main collection is held at Library Headquarters in Roscommon town.
Roscommon library also has an extensive collection of local history files which include copies of articles from journals, newspaper cuttings, maps etc relating to all aspects of Roscommon history, culture, archaeology, people and places. These files can be consulted in the library and copied if required.
The library headquarters has a local studies area where researchers can consult the literature and use the microfilm reader and designated local studies computer.
The following link will bring you into a magical world of resources on Roscommon’s past http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Community/Library/Local_Studies_and_Archives/
Roscommon Papers
Roscommon Papers are available in all library branches to search online
- Roscommon Champion (1944-2009)
- Roscommon Herald (1882-2013)
- Roscommon Journal (1828-1927)
- Roscommon Messenger (1848-1935)
- Roscommon and Leitrim Gazette (1822-1882)
- Strokestown Democrat (1913-1948)
Regional Papers
Digitised Regional Papers available in all branches to search online
- Connacht Sentinel (1927-current)
- Connacht Tribune (1909-current)
- Connacht Telegraph (1900-current)
- Leitrim Observer (1904-current)
- Longford Leader (1897-current)
National Papers
Digitised National Papers available in all branches to search online
- Freemans Journal (1763-1924)
- Irish Press (1931-1995)
- Irish Independent (1905-current)
- The Nation (1842-1897)
- Sunday Independent (1906-current)
Microfilm in Library Headquarters
Microfilm Local Newspapers
- Athlone News (1961–1962)
- Athlone Observer (1985–1995)
- Athlone Times (1887–1889)
- Longford Independent (1885–1925)
- The Nation (1842–1897)
- Roscommon and Leitrim Gazette (1822–1872)
- Roscommon Champion (1944–2009)
- Roscommon Constitutionalist (1889–1891)
- Roscommon Herald (1859–2012)
- Roscommon Journal and Western Reporter (1828–1927)
- Roscommon Messenger (1848–1935)
- Roscommon People (2006–2012)
- Roscommon Reporter (1850–1860)
- Strokestown Democrat (1913–1948)
- Western Nationalist (1907–1920)
The Schools Folklore Collection (1937-1938) is available on microfilm covering a large number of primary schools across the county.
Photographic Archive
70,000 images dating back to the 1950s have been identified, tagged, scanned and processed under a public and private collaboration between Roscommon County Council: Library Services, Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea and various employment scheme coordinating bodies.
The project helps to preserve the photographic history of County Roscommon and is available to view on the library website.
Local Genealogists
There are a number of Genealogists working in the County and the local library would be able to provide details of those working in a particular area.
Find out more about reconnecting with County Roscommon
