Thirty years ago there were very few people here who were interested in genealogy. Alex Haley's novel Roots, which traced his family back to its origins in Africa over seven generations, gave a tremendous boost to the study of genealogy. Genealogy is now one of the most popular pastimes in Ireland and abroad. The millions of web sites on family history and the growing number of books and software dealing with genealogy testify to its enormous appeal.

In this section of Cork Past and Present, you will find a guide to tracing your family history, a list of the sources for genealogical research in Cork City Libraries, and links to useful web sites on genealogy. We hope you find them interesting and helpful.