Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: A Family History Conference - 2027

Overview

Highlights

Schedule

Throughout the Conference

Pick-up and drop-off point for the tours

 

The pick up and drop-off point for the tours included in our programme will be in front of the Premier Inn in Titanic Quarter (almost opposite PRONI). Delegates will be expected to make their own way to and from this point.

Wednesday 01 September 2027

Opening Reception

 

16:30 - Informal get-together.

During this get-together you will meet with the Foundation’s staff and the other delegates, have a chance to ask any questions you might have about the week ahead and get to know your fellow delegates. Please note that this gathering is completely informal so if you have recently arrived and would prefer not to attend you will be able to meet us on the Thursday morning

18:30 - Evening concludes

Thursday 02 September 2027

First Day of Research or tours (TBC)

 

Option 1: A day of assisted research at PRONI (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Spend the day uncovering your family history at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). With guidance from our experienced research team, you’ll have exclusive access to invaluable archives, records, and documents that could bring your ancestry to life. Whether you’re tracing long-lost relatives or simply curious about your heritage, our team will be on hand to help you navigate the collections and make meaningful discoveries.

Option 2: Tour (TBC)

Friday 03 September 2027

Second Day of Research or tours (TBC)

 

Option 1: A day of assisted research at PRONI (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Work alongside our experienced research team as you uncover family records, historic documents, and unique insights into your ancestry.

Option 2: Tour (TBC)

Free evening for delegates to make their own dining/entertainment arrangements.

Saturday 04 September 2027

Visit to Barons Court and Ulster American Folk Park

 

All delegates will begin their day with a journey through County Tyrone on our way to visit Barons Court, the home of the Dukes of Abercorn (Ulster’s only dukedom). Barons Court is not normally open to the public and for delegates this will be a rare opportunity to see inside this fascinating house.

After our time at Barons Court, the group will then visit the Ulster American Folk Park and Mellon Centre for Migration Studies. Described as 'the ultimate in living history' the outdoor museum at the Folk Park includes the famous Mellon homestead, buildings from America, an Ulster and American street and a full-scale dockside galley and ship.

On the same site as the Folk Park, the Mellon Centre is a research library housing an extensive collection of materials relating to the history of the peoples of Ireland worldwide. Delegates may prefer to spend most of their time touring the Folk Park or researching at the Mellon Centre or a mix of the two. The choice is yours.

Free evening for delegates to make their own dining/entertainment arrangements.

Sunday 05 September 2027

Free day for delegates to savour the delights of Belfast

 

Free day for delegates to spend as they choose. Some may care to visit the church of their ancestors, explore the city of Belfast or visit the many fantastic attractions the city has to offer.

A full day can be spent visiting the recently refurbished HMS Caroline, a lone survivor of the Battle of Jutland in 1916. A short bus ride will also allow you to take in such sites as the Ulster Museum and Botanical Gardens as well the Ulster Folk and Transport museum at Cultra.

A visit to St. George's Market is highly recommended. Located in a charming Victorian building (constructed 1890-1896) the market is one of Belfast's oldest attractions offering delicious food, local crafts and antiques.

In the evening, why not take in a performance amidst the Victorian splendour of Belfast's Grand Opera House or the recently refurbished Lyric Theatre with its marvellous views of the River Lagan and then finish off the day with a modest libation in Belfast's most famous pub, the Crown Liquor Saloon with its period gas lighting and cosy snugs.

Monday 06 September 2027

Third Day of Research or tours (TBC)

 

Option 1: A day of assisted research at PRONI (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Work alongside our experienced research team as you uncover family records, historic documents, and unique insights into your ancestry.

Option 2: Option 2: Tour (TBC)

After the experiences of the day, the entire group (both those who went out on tour and the group that remained to research in PRONI) will enjoy a relaxed evening meal together in Belfast.

Tuesday 07 September 2027

Fourth day of Research or tours (TBC)

 

Option 1: A Day of assisted research at PRONI (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Work alongside our experienced research team as you uncover family records, historic documents, and unique insights into your ancestry.

Option 2: Tour (TBC)

Free evening for delegates to make their own dining/entertainment arrangements.

Wednesday 08 September 2027

Fifth Day of Research or tours (TBC)

 

Option 1: A Day of assisted research at PRONI (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Work alongside our experienced research team as you uncover family records, historic documents, and unique insights into your ancestry.

Option 2: Tour (TBC)

To bring the journey to a fitting close, the entire group (both those who went out on tour and the group that remained to research in PRONI) will enjoy a relaxed evening meal together in Belfast.

Locations

• 
  Giant's Causeway Read More
• 
  Glens of Antrim Read More
• 
  Brú na Bóinne Read More
• 
  Ulster American Folk Park Read More
• 
  Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI) Read More
• 
  Mellon Centre for Migration Studies Read More
• 
  Titanic Belfast Read More
• 
  Walls of Derry Read More

What's Included?

Travel & Accommodation

Reviews

• 
  I thoroughly enjoyed the Autumn School and the opportunity to meet others who share my interest in researching their Ulster heritage. Having access to academics was a huge benefit and advanced my research. Not only were they experts, but they were approachable and interested in our individual research challenges. The visits to the various sites of historical interest and the commentary on the bus were also enjoyable and enriched the whole experience. Thanks!

  Virginia MacLatchey – Ontario, Canada
• 
  The Autumn School provided me with an excellent opportunity to research my ancestors and to gather the necessary tools needed to continue my search for Irish ancestors with the bonus of visiting places in N. Ireland I would never have gone to, learning about the history of the area and how my ancestors may have lived.

  Jessica Orr – Hawaii, USA
• 
  It’s a wonderful week of meeting people from all over the world, who are interested in experiencing Irish culture and discovering Ulster history, all the while sharing one’s enthusiasm for genealogy with people who don’t think you’re mad! Dr William Roulston and Dr Allan Blackstock are an excellent teaching tag team with sincere interest, enthusiasm, and a local’s understanding for sharing the Ulster history and genealogy that lies within their own backyard.

  Melanie McLennan – Ontario, Canada
• 
  The Summer School was excellent because it provided a balanced approach with research, touring, lectures and socialization among and between professors and attendees. The exposure to the rigors of research was very professional and intense which taught me a great deal about the scholarship involved in such an endeavour.

  Angela Bellan – Arizona, USA
• 
  If you're wondering whether to engage UHF's services or attend one of their conferences I can assure you that you'll experience absolute quality. I attended the June 2016 UHF conference and to sum it up - I attended a genealogy holiday. If you want to: meet like-minded people, have professional research assistance, eat really well, enjoy field trips that will show you the things that make Ireland amazing, meet new friends from around the world and enhance your own genealogy knowledge - this is a high quality conference you won't be sorry you spent money on! On top of all that the staff at UHF are friendly, know their stuff, well organised and prepared to accommodate your last minute change (if they can). My only complaint is that it ended! But, I've already decided that I'm going to attend another one in a few years time. Yes, it's that good!

  Davina Hughes – Waipa, New Zealand
• 
  Great conference UHF! It was very Informative, well organized, friendly, and fun. Looking forward to my next one

  Suzanne Billings – Pennsylvania, USA
• 
  I attended the September 2017 conference and it was a wonderful experience. I knew some basic information about my Irish ancestors, but this course took me so much further. I found the pre-conference course really useful before going to PRONI to search for documents. The presenters and other staff at UHF were knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Having staff and volunteers to help at PRONI was invaluable. They found in five minutes what it would have taken me five hours to discover. That’s experience for you! The tours were well chosen and a great idea for friends and spouses who didn’t want to spend time researching. The meals were great and everyone got on well, having a common interest. The whole conference was interesting, rewarding, fun and well organised. A great experience!

  Catherine Quinn – Queensland, Australia
• 
  I attended one of your family history conferences in October 2015 and was impressed by the depth and breadth of historical knowledge conveyed during the conference. Thank you very much for sponsoring all of the family history conferences and for publishing books on Ireland and family history. The UHF performs a valuable service that is greatly appreciated by people throughout the world. Many thanks for the work that you do.

  Mary Schranz – Wisconsin, U. S. A.
• 
  I have attended the Family History Conference for two years in a row so it must be worthwhile and fun! I have enjoyed the tours to many beautiful and historic places. The UHF staff takes great care of the attendees whether researching or touring. There were single attendees and couples, all searching for ancestors and enjoying our time together. Belfast is great city to visit and explore!

  Jane Van Nort – USA
• 
  The time I spent in Northern Ireland with the group organized and led by the Ulster Historical Foundation was among the very best holidays I have ever enjoyed. It is very difficult to imagine how it could have been better.

  Murray Barkley – Canada
• 
  So many little touches added to the quality of the conference experience. It was a brilliant idea to list attendees' research interests in the program booklet. Also, I very much appreciated Fintan's sharing poetry and history and other treasures in the form of commentary on the bus tours as we traveled.

  Martha Kaiser – USA
• 
  This was one of the best organized events I have attended! The conference was fun, and I learned a lot about the people, history, and structure of not just Ulster, but all of Ireland. Logistically, the staff have it down. Everything works on time, and in a pleasant, helpful way. Presenters and staff are knowledgeable, and committed to helping everyone get the most out of the experience. They planned so many wonderful experiences, and the food was incredible! My scale tells me that every day....Having a chance to meet so many others interested in the same "stuff" made it even more fun. An all around terrific conference - I would like to do it again in a few years. (Trip Advisor)

  Patricia McKlem – Arizona, USA
• 
  I thought it was an excellent conference, well organized, interesting tours, knowledgeable and friendly staff. A great way to explore and learn about Ireland while researching my family history.

  Julie Connelly – Canada
• 
  The Ulster Historical Foundation provided an excellent family history conference. The opportunities for research and tours were beyond what I expected. The food and atmosphere of the places we ate was wonderful. The staff of the historical foundation made sure we were either happily doing research or learning about Ireland through their informative tours. Thank you Ulster Historical Foundation for a GREAT experience!

  Sandra Morrison – USA
• 
  This is an outstanding program with excellent resource leaders. It is friendly and personal, with attention to individual needs. The program is varied and always interesting, with a nice mix of learning about Northern Ireland and migration, seeing the beautiful landscape, and exploring the towns, with opportunity for personal research. We really loved it!

  Bill and Lynn Godwin – New Mexico, USA
• 
  The international mix of course members, with varied religious family backgrounds, and the expertise and knowledge of the facilitators and lecturers all contributed to enhancing our insights into NI history and society.

  Mary Shadbolt – Wellington, New Zealand
• 
  A terrific introduction to the research and historical environments of Ulster emigrant populations.

  Kate and Peter Van Demark – Massachusetts, USA
• 
  In a New York minute! Loved it! Your staff and the personal touch is what visitors need – you exemplify all that is nice.

  Margaret Reid, Chicago, USA

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