What records are available and for what period of time?

The archives of the Church of Ireland and particularly parochial registers of baptisms, marriages and burials are a primary source for genealogists and family historians. Although many registers were destroyed in the past, especially in the fire in the Public Record Office of Ireland in 1922, many records have survived under the custodianship of the Church of Ireland, which are available to researchers. A comprehensive Table of Church of Ireland Parish Registers throughout Ireland (Baptisms, Marriages, Burials & copies) – available to download as a PDF here.

The Church of Ireland RCB Library holds many of the parish register collections itemised in this table, together with the records of parishes, cathedrals and dioceses of the Church of Ireland. It also holds records of charitable societies, educational societies, missionary societies and a collection of miscellaneous manuscripts many of which have a genealogical significance.

Key records held by the RCB Library include registers from the early 17th century onwards of: Baptisms / Marriages / Burials

What records are stored?

While a significant amount of Church of Ireland records are stored at the RCB Library, some remain in parish custody. The Table of Parish Registers available here makes clear what is retained locally, and researches in these cases should make contact directly with the local parish clergy to make the appropriate arrangements regarding access and payment of fees. Contact information for all Church of Ireland clergy is available via the relevant diocesan sections on the Church of Ireland website which includes a list of all parishes and relevant contacts: www.ireland.anglican.org/directory

Outline lists of records in the Library’s custodianship are available on the Library pages of the Church of Ireland website: www.ireland.anglican.org

What can RCB Library staff provide?

The RCB Library provides the following services:

• Information on the records which are held in the RCB Library
• Facilities for researchers to consult records in the Library
• Information on the location of Church of Ireland records which are held elsewhere and appropriate contact details
• Digital images of records: these are suitable for research but not acceptable for legal purposes
• Certified copies of records: these are required for legal purposes (such as passport application; marriage license; social welfare issue)

The RCB Library does not have staff resources to conduct detailed genealogical research, which individuals are encouraged to do themselves in person, or to employ a professional genealogist. The Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland may be contacted via accreditedgenealogists.ie.

If you have already been given a quote by RCB Library Staff for genealogical research, please click here to make payment.

If you would like to make a donation to assist the work of conserving the records of the Church of Ireland click here.