Family History

Central Library in Letterkenny has an extensive collection of books, journals and other material relating to genealogy and family history. While we do not have primary materials, such as records of births, deaths, marriages etc., our family history resources can help get you started on your search for that elusive ancestor. It is recommended that you contact the library in advance to book an appointment as some items are available on microfilm format only, while some newspapers are in storage.

All other libraries in Donegal have smaller local history collections relevant to their area and may be able to provide the information you are looking for. Microfilmed items are also available in Bundoran Community Library and Leabharlann Phobail na Rosann, Dungloe. Please contact the relevant library before your visit.

For contact details and opening hours for Central Library and all local libraries, please click here.

To begin your search for that elusive ancestor, click on the booklet below:

Online Resources
We have online resources which can be accessed at your nearest library which could help unlock stories of people and places of interest to you.

	JSTOR provides access to academic journal articles, books and primary sources. The only subject fully available on our public PCs is Irish Studies, covering approximately 49 journals and 62 books.
	A wide range of records from the Donegal County Archives Collection has been digitised and made available on Find My Past. While this is typically a subscription based service, you can access it for free from PC's at any of our library branches.
	The Irish Times Digital Archive is available through the Ask About Ireland Portal only in branches.
	Access the Irish Newspaper Archive from any of our branches for free. This archive consists of over 6 million pages of newspaper content from titles North and South of the Irish border and through the newspaper obituaries Irish genealogists can search, retrieve and view births, deaths and marriage records from over 279 year's worth of Irish publications.

Rolls and Registers

Links to other Family History and Genealogy Sites
•    Church of Ireland
• Donegal County Archives
• Donegal Genealogy Resources
• Irish Genealogy
•    Library of the Church of Later Day Saints
• National Library of Ireland
•    National Archives
• Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
• Griffith's Valuation
•    Irish Virtual Treasury
• Duchas
•    Irish Graveyards
• Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland
•    Catholic Parish Registers

Donegal Diaspora
The Donegal Diaspora project has been set up to reach out and engage with County Donegal’s global community, its “Pobal Domhanda.” This network is made up of people with a connection to Donegal, no matter where they may be living. It acts as a resource for information, connections, partnerships, and development.

For more information see www.donegaldiaspora.com.