2. FamilySearch (UK & Ireland)

Website: www.familysearch.org

Created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch is one of the largest and most comprehensive free genealogy resources in the world. It offers access to billions of records, including census, birth, marriage, and death certificates, and much more. The best part? It’s all completely free to use.

Tip: FamilySearch also has a network of family history centres around the globe, where you can access microfilm records, often dating back centuries. Even if you're not near a centre, their extensive online records will likely have what you need.

3. National Archives (UK)

Website: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

For those with a particular interest in military or government records, the National Archives in the UK is an invaluable resource. While some records require a fee, there are many documents freely available, including census records, wills, military service records, and naturalisation files. You can explore the archives online, and their search engine makes it easy to pinpoint the specific documents that might be of interest to you.

Tip: Use the Discovery tool to access millions of records, from legal documents to passenger lists and immigration papers.

4. Ireland's National Archives

Website: www.nationalarchives.ie

Tracing Irish ancestry presents unique challenges, but Ireland’s National Archives offers some fantastic free resources for digging into your family history. Among their best offerings are the 1831 and 1901 censuses, which are digitised and free to access. You’ll also find Irish wills and probate records, and valuable documents from the Dublin Metropolitan Police.

Tip: If your ancestor was involved in the Irish Land Acts or owned land, you can find fascinating records on property ownership in their Landed Estate Court Rentals.

5. Census Online (UK & Ireland)

Website: www.census.nationalarchives.ie

Census records are often the backbone of genealogical research, and both UK and Irish census records are freely available to help you piece together your family’s past. The UK 1911 Census is freely accessible online, while Ireland’s 1901 and 1911 censuses can be searched through the National Archives of Ireland’s website.

Tip: When searching census records, keep an eye out for misspellings of surnames and creative variations of first names—transcribers often made mistakes in the early years.

Bonus Tip: Local Archives and Libraries

While not technically an online resource, local libraries and county archives are goldmines for family history research. Many offer free access to local records, newspapers, and parish registers, so it’s always worth checking out the resources available in the area where your ancestors lived. You may even stumble upon something you’d never find online!

Wrapping Up

Researching your family history doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These five free resources are a great starting point to help you uncover your UK and Irish roots. While they won’t always have everything you need, they can give you a solid foundation to build on. And who knows? You might just stumble upon a hidden family secret along the way!

Have you used any of these free resources in your research? Or do you have a favourite go-to for tracing your ancestry? Share your experiences in the comments below!