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DUBLIN, June 30, 2025
Seven Centuries of Irish History Resurface
Lost records reveal secrets of espionage, corruption and daily life.
- 175,000 newly available records expand Irish historical knowledge.
- The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland digitally recreated archives destroyed in 1922.
- Recovered materials span from the Anglo-Norman conquest to the 19th-century censuses.
Recovered after being presumed lost, seven centuries of Irish historical records are now accessible, providing insight into espionage, political corruption, and the lives of ordinary people.
A pioneering project is making 175,000 more records and millions more words of searchable content freely available to researchers and the public, filling gaps in Irish history.
The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland, a global academic collaboration led by Trinity College Dublin, used historians, computer scientists and other specialists to digitally recreate parts of a vast archive destroyed in IrelandS civil war.
The project launched in 2022 on the centenary of the burning of the Public Record Office in Dublin during a five-day battle that began on June 28, 1922.To mark the 103rd anniversary, freshly recovered material is being added, including records from the anglo-Norman conquest, the 1798 rebellion, and a genealogical collection from 19th-century censuses.
A “Significant Scale of Data”
“Its a very significant scale of data,” said Peter Crooks, a Trinity historian and academic director of the project. “It’s an enormous stretch of time from the 13th century up to the 19th century. The scale of what can be brought in, in terms of reconstruction, continues to amaze me.”
once the envy of scholars worldwide, the six-story Public Record Office at the Four courts by the River Liffey held priceless troves from medieval times. It was obliterated when troops of the new Irish state battled former comrades hunkered in the building.
It had long been assumed that everything was lost, but the project enlisted 75 archives and libraries in Ireland, the UK, and around the world to source transcripts and duplicates of documents, manny forgotten in storage. The latest additions bring the total to 350,000 records and 250 million words of searchable Irish history.
Patrick O’Donovan, the culture minister, said international collaboration underpinned the “riches” that had been rediscovered. “It offers an invaluable historical resource for people of all ages and traditions across the island of Ireland and abroad, and democratizes access so that our shared history is more accessible and engaging for everyone.”
collaboration and Artificial Intelligence
The project combines academic inquiry, artificial intelligence, and support from institutions holding Irish records, notably the National Archives of Ireland, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the UK National Archives at Kew, and the Irish Manuscripts Commission. “The circle of collaborators has widened and deepened,” said Crooks.
Ciarán Wallace, a Trinity historian and co-director of the project, notes that the latest material includes 60,000 names from the lost censuses, creating a data trove for genealogists and Irish diaspora descendants to trace family lineage. “This is only a fragment of what’s missing, but 60,000 is a huge improvement on a blank slate.”
Age of conquest and State Papers
The project’s “age of conquest” portal contains parchments in Latin and 5 million words of Anglo-Norman Irish history,spanning 1170 to 1500,translated into English.
Uploaded state papers, spanning 1660 to 1720, comprise 10 million words, including extensive intelligence reports from the Tudor era, when English monarchs tightened their grip on England’s first colony.
Underhanded Dealings uncovered
A diary that ended up at the US Libary of Congress is now accessible, shedding light on dodgy deals that led to the abolition of the Irish parliament in 1800 and Ireland’s incorporation into the UK. “You find out about some of those underhanded dealings,” said Joel Herman, a research fellow working on the project. “One member of parliament said he can’t vote for it because of the corrupt methods that have been used to win votes.”
Alongside the new material, the Knowledge Graph Explorer search tool identifies people, places, and their connections.
The impact on Irish Genealogy
The rediscovery of these historical records has a profound impact, especially for those tracing their Irish heritage. The material offers fresh perspectives and opportunities for genealogical research, going far beyond what was previously accessible.
How has the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland revolutionized genealogy? The availability of 60,000 names from the lost 19th-century censuses gives genealogists an unprecedented starting point.This is critical, as records have frequently enough been fragmented due to fires and neglect.
The project’s focus on collaboration, employing both human expertise and artificial intelligence, makes previously inaccessible data searchable. Such as, the Knowledge Graph Explorer search tool is a helpful resource to trace family lineages, and identify connections. The ability to cross-reference names with details from other sources helps to reconstruct an ancestor’s life.
What essential genealogical records are now available? Vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, alongside land ownership documents and tax records, offer tangible information about family history. These help paint a more complete picture of an ancestor’s place in society.
Practical Tips for Exploring Your Irish Roots
With these new resources available,here are some tips for individuals seeking to explore their Irish heritage:
- Start with What You know: Begin by gathering any existing family information,including names,dates,and places of birth.
- Explore Online Databases: Websites like the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland can be a fantastic starting point. Utilize the Knowledge Graph Explorer to find connections.
- Utilize Census records: The recovered census data offers a rich source of information. look for family names, addresses, and occupations.
- Consult Land and Property Records: These documents shed light on where ancestors lived and owned property.
- Connect with Genealogical Societies: Local and international societies offer invaluable resources, expertise, and support.
- Consider DNA Testing: Genetic testing can pinpoint ancestral origins and can confirm family connections.
The recovery of historical records doesn’t just aid in straightforward genealogical work; it also allows for the exploration of previously hidden histories. These documents often reveal previously unknown facts about individuals and events. The diary found in the US Libary of Congress, for example, adds to our understanding of the political climate leading up to the Act of Union in 1800.
With each new discovery, historians and researchers deepen our understanding of the past. The materials reveal details about everyday life, including economic conditions, social structures, and the impact of major historical events.
key Questions Answered
What is the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland?
The Virtual Record treasury of Ireland is a global collaboration, led by Trinity College Dublin, designed to digitally recreate Irish historical records, aiming to overcome losses accumulated over centuries.
What are the core types of records available?
The project makes available a wide array of records, encompassing census data, state papers, legal documents, and personal accounts.This includes 5 million words of Anglo-Norman Irish history, spanning 1170 to 1500, and 10 million words of uploaded state papers from 1660 to 1720.
How does AI aid in this process?
Artificial intelligence is used to process handwritten documents and to search and index textual content. The main goal is to improve both the accuracy and accessibility of the historical archive.
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