This year, 2026, heralds the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS) in 1936. This milestone anniversary is being marked over the course of the year through a global programme of events.
A Year of Global Celebration
In delivering a worldwide programme of events across 2026, the Society is reflecting its international membership and deep connections with the Irish diaspora. This aspect of the celebrations will recognise the Irish heritage of people throughout the world, embracing all traditions that contribute to Irish identity. More information about the anniversary events can be found on the dedicated page of our website HERE.
Two more events to be held in Belfast and London are now open for booking.
The first is an in-person two lecture event to be held on Thursday 11th in Belfast at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.
“Scottish migration to Ireland in the seventeenth century”
speaker: William Roulston, Research Director, Ulster Historical Foundation
“Irish merchants in France from 1630 to the eve of the French Revolution: prospects, challenges and identity”
speaker: Marian Lyons, Professor of History, Maynooth University
This event is free of charge. Booking and more information is available on the IGRS website Events page.
The second is also an in-person two-lecture event to be held on Saturday 4th July in London, at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith
"Records relating to the Irish War of Independence held at The National Archives, Kew"
speaker: Michael Mahoney (Learning & Outreach Support Officer, The National Archives, Kew)
"An Undiscovered Country: Irish Military Pensioners of the United States in Ireland and Britain, c. 1845–1905"
speaker: Dr Damien Shiels (Historian, archaeologist, and author specialising in the Irish diaspora. Former curator at the National Museum of Ireland and Research Fellow at Northumbria University)
More information can be found on the Irish Cultural Centre website.
Booking is open to all here. The cost is £8 for a single lecture or £14 for both.
Membership
Membership of the IGRS is open to anyone with an interest in Irish genealogy, whether they be new to family history research or are a seasoned veteran. Members enjoy access to our unique online collections, expert guidance, the annual journal, The Irish Genealogist, a regular newsletter, online lectures, a growing collection of online Irish genealogy videos, and a global community of like-minded researchers.
Not an IGRS member? To become part of our thriving community click HERE now to check out the benefits of membership.
For more information about our 90th anniversary events contact Paul Gorry on 00 353 (86) 330 1032 or via email at GorryP@IrishAncestors.ie
