Nature of Source
There are two separate systems for recording property transactions in Ireland:
- Registry of Deeds, operated by the Registry of Deeds.
- Land Registry (Register of Titles), operated by the Land Registry.
Both forms of registration are managed by Tailte Éireann (formed form the merger of the Property Registration Authority, the Valuation Office and Ordnance Survey Ireland)
Register of Deeds
The Registry of Deeds, established in 1708, recorded a wide range of documents related to property transactions and property rights. The voluntary system was introduced under an Act of the Irish Parliament (6 Anne c.2). The Act provided a means of formally registering land transfers and recording deeds and conveyances on unregistered land. The Registry was a voluntary system and primarily dealt with transactions involving wealthier land and property owners, so only a fraction of the population appear in the records.
Land Transfers
A land transfer is the process of passing ownership or interest in property from one party to another, often recorded by a deed.
Tenancy
Granted the right to occupy or use land or property on a temporary basis under a rental agreement, lease or similar arrangement. Usually recorded by a lease deed.
Deeds
Legal document and formal process recording a property transaction, proving transfer of ownership. These can include conveyance deeds, lease deeds and sale deeds. Conveyance refers to the act of transferring property rights from one party to another.
Mortgages
Mortgages were recorded as independent documents that established a legal claim, separate from the deed itself.
Up to 1782, most transactions dealt with property transfers from indigenous or previous Catholic owners to Protestant settlers. They had acquired confiscated property over the preceding century under Penal Laws which limited Catholic rights to own, inherit or lease property. The Catholic Relief Act of 1782 dismantled these restrictions.
The original deed was returned to the owner and a summary called a Memorial (now replaced by the Application Form) was kept at the Registry in volumes known as Transcript Books.
Although the registry was primarily used as a land registry, it also contains a wide range of other useful genealogical information such as:
- Up to 1832 copies and memorials (abstracts) of wills were lodged with the registry. Details of disputed wills found in the registry may represent the only surviving evidence of a will.
- Marriage settlements. The registry collected marriage settlements as part of the conveyancing process and property arrangements. The documents should provide the names, addresses and occupations of the bride and groom and bride’s father.
- Conveyances and annuities.
- Rights of way.
- Business partnerships.
The presence of a name in the registry should ideally be followed up with searches in the Tithe Applotment Books and the Griffith’s Valuation which both offer more complete genealogical information, especially from the 1830s onward.
Perhaps the greatest value of the registry records is the potential for establishing an unbroken series of family related names. If the same family registered property deeds over a number of years, the registry could reveal two or three generations. The accompanying documents could also provide insights into children and other family members.
The registry’s records are organised under two principal indexes.
- Names (Grantors) Index which lists the names of those disposing of or giving the land or property. Those receiving the property (the grantee) are stated by surname in the memorial but are not indexed.
- Lands Index (Townland Index) which is an index of all transactions by the townland within each county giving the family name of the grantor and grantee.
Land Registry (Register of Titles)
The Land Registry, created in 1892 under the Local Registration of Title (Ireland) Act 1891, introduced a system of compulsory registration of title to land. Unlike the Registry of Deeds, the Land Registry actually records ownership (title) itself.
The property particulars are entered on folios which form the public registers. The folio records:
- The name(s) of the registered owner(s).
- The nature of ownership (freehold, leasehold).
- Details of any burdens (mortgages, easements, rights or covenants).
The Land Registry holds Ordnance Survey map extracts corresponding to each folio. If no individual map exists, the property will be shown on a general master map. A name index of the Register of Titles is available which contains the names and addresses of every registered owner as well showing the appropriate folio number.
Over time, all remaining unregistered titles will be compulsorily brought under the Land Registry on their next sale or transfer, completing the move away from the Registry of Deeds.
Related Historical Sources
The following additional sources may assist historic land and property searches:
Books of Survey and Distribution (1660s)
These Books were compiled by the English government in the late 17th century following Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland. They document land ownership in Ireland before and after Cromwell’s confiscations and redistribution. The Acts of Settlement and Explanation (passed in the 1660s) provided the legal framework for confirming the forced seizure of Royalist land (mainly Catholic) and its distribution to Protestant settlers. The books record land ownership arranged by barony, parish and townland before the forced sale in 1641 and the subsequent new owners following the transfers. Manuscript copies are available at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and National Library of Ireland, some volumes have been published by the Irish Manuscripts Commission.
Civil Survey (1654-1656)
The survey details the names of landowners and property ownership as they existed in 1649. It was later used as a basis for land confiscation and distribution to victorious Protestants following the Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland. The survey covered about 27 of Ireland’s 32 counties, focusing largely on Leinster, Ulster, Munster (with some exceptions) and parts of Connacht.
Census of Ireland (c. 1659)
The Census, compiled by Sir William Petty, lists the major landowners (Tituladoes) of Ireland only as well as the number of inhabitants in each townland broken down into the English, Scots and Irish.
Encumbered Estates Acts (1848 and 1849)
The Acts allowed for the sale of bankrupt estates following the devastation caused by the Great Famine. The papers include the names of the parties involved and the date and the names of tenants on each estate, their rents and tenure.
Where Found
Tailte Éireann
Registry of Deeds. All records from 1708 to 1969 can be viewed in person by appointment at the Registry of Deeds office at Henrietta Street, Dublin.. Post 1970 records can be accessed by using LandDirect.ie or availing of Registry of Deeds Search and Copying Services.
NI Direct
Land & Property Services. For Northern Ireland, Registry of Deeds records, specifically those from 1923 onward, are held by Land & Property Services in Belfast. Paper records from 1923 to 1989 can be searched in person at LPS offices. These paper records are indexed by Grantor (the seller or person transferring the property). LPS holds digitised records from 1990 to the present.
The National Library of Ireland
The Library holds copies of the indexes including the Surname Index (grantor) and the Land (placename) Index and indexes to memorials of deeds.
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
PRONI holds microfilm copies of the Irish Registry of Deeds records from 1708 onward including memorials and surname indexes.
Period Covered
1708 – Onwards
Genealogical Value
Register of Deeds
- Names of all parties involved (grantors and grantees).
- Addresses or locations of the land or property.
- Details of the land held.
- Family relationships.
- Sometimes dates of death of owners.
- Names of witnesses, their occupation, status and nature of their relationship to the parties.
Register of Titles
- Name of registered owner and their interest in the property.
- Description of property and maps.
Further References
Register of Deeds Related
- Eustace, Beryl, P. & Ellis, E. Registry of Deeds, Dublin: Abstracts of Wills 1708-1832: Irish Manuscripts Commission, 1954-1984
- Nugent, Brian. A Guide to the 18th Century Land Records in the Irish Registry of Deeds: Brian Nugent, 2012
Family History Guides
- Adolph, Anthony. Collins Tracing Your Irish Family History: HarperCollins, 2007
- Begley, Donal. Handbook on Irish Genealogy: How to Trace Your Ancestors and Relatives: Heraldic Artists, 1984
- Connell, Gretta. Tracing Your Westmeath Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2012
- Corrigan, Mario & Durney, James & Kiely, Karel. Tracing your Kildare Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2014
- Davis, Bill. Irish Ancestry – A Beginner’s Guide: FFHS, 2001
- Falley, Margaret Dickson. Irish and Scottish-Irish Ancestral Research: GPC, 1981 (1962)
- Franklin, Margaret. Tracing your Limerick Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2011
- Grenham, John. Irish Ancestors, A Pocket Guide to Your Family History: Gill & Macmillan, 2004
- Grenham, John. Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: Gill & Macmillan, 2011
- Hamrock, John. Tracing your Roscommon Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2007
- Kinealy, Christine. Tracing Your Irish Roots: Appletree Press, 2009
- McCarthy, Tony. The Irish Roots Guide. Dublin: The Lilliput Press, 1991
- McCarthy, Tony & Cadogan, Tim. Tracing Your Cork Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2011
- Maxwell, Ian. Tracing Your Ancestors in Northern Ireland: A Guide to Ancestry Research in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland: Stationery Office, 1997
- Maxwell, Ian. Researching Armagh Ancestors: A Practical Guide for the Family and Local Historian: Ulster Historical Foundation, 2000
- Maxwell, Ian. Researching Down Ancestors: A Practical Guide for the Family and Local Historian: Ulster Historical Foundation, 2000
- Maxwell, Ian. How To Trace Your Irish Ancestors: How To Books, 2009
- Maxwell, Ian. Your Irish Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians: Pen and Sword, 2008
- Maxwell, Ian. Tracing Your Northern Irish Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians: Pen and Sword, 2010
- Meehan, Helen & Duffy, Godfrey. Tracing Your Donegal Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2008
- Mitchell, Brian. A New Genealogical Atlas of Ireland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009
- Mitchell, Brian. Basic Guide to Irish Records for Family History: Clearfield Company, 2009
- Mitchell, Brian. Tracing Derry-Londonderry Roots: Clearfield Company, 2014
- Mitchell, Brian. NEW Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy Paperback: Clearfield, 2020
- O’Connor, Michael H. Tracing your Kerry Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 1994
- O’Dowd, Peadar. Tracing your Galway Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2010
- Ouimette, David. Finding Your Irish Ancestors: A Beginner’s Guide: Ancestry.com, 2005
- Paton, Chris. Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet: A Guide For Family Historians: Pen & Sword Books, 2013
- Prochaska, Alice, Irish History from 1700: A Guide to Sources in the Public Record Office: British Records Association, 1986
- Raymond, Stuart. Irish Family History on the Web: The Family History Partnership, 2007
- Roulston, William. Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600-1800: Ulster Historical Foundation, 2005
- Ryan, James. Irish Records: Sources for Family & Local History: Flyleaf Press, 1997
- Ryan, James & Smith, Brian. Tracing Your Dublin Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2009
- Ryan, James. Tracing your Sligo Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2012
- Smith, Brian. Tracing your Mayo Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2010
- Smith, Brian & Kennedy, Gerry. Tracing Your Clare Ancestors: Flyleaf Press, 2013
- Stewart, Alan. My Ancestor Was Irish: A Guide to Sources for Family Historians: Society of Genealogists, 2012
Other
- Bradshaw’s Railway Map Great Britain and Ireland 1852: Mapseeker Publishing, 2013
- Connolly, S.J. The Oxford Companion to Irish History: Oxford University Press, 2007
- Coogan, Tim, Pat. The Famine Plot: England’s Role in Ireland’s Greatest Tragedy: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013
- Dickson, R.J. Ulster Emigration to Colonial America, 1718-1775: Ulster Historical Foundation, 1976
- Grenham, John. The Little Book of Irish Clans and Tartans: Book Sales, 1995
- Robinson, Philip. Plantation of Ulster: Ulster Historical Foundation, 2000
- Smith, Paul & Turner, Keith. Railway Atlas of Ireland Then & Now: Ian Allan Publishing, 2014
Websites
Tailte Éireann
Registration Guides and Checklists. The site offers resources covering key topics related to property registration systems in Ireland including the differences between the Registry of Deeds and the Land Registry systems, including how each works, what they record, and their legal implications.
John Grenham
Irish Ancestors. The Irish Registry of Deeds. The provides information about the Registry of Deeds, its historical context and the types of records available for research.
Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland
The Registry of Deeds. Exploring Eighteenth-Century Irish Property Records in partnership with Tailte Eireann. Curated by Dr Brendan Twomey and Dr Patrick Walsh. This introduction to this Curated Collection traces the legal and administrative history of the Registry including a Glossary of Key Terms.
NI Direct
Land and property registers. The site provides information on how to search for land and property registers in Northern Ireland.
Registry of Deeds Index Project Ireland
Links to websites sites that give some guidance to how to use the Registry of Deeds.
Registry of Deeds Index Project Ireland
Registry of Deeds for family history. The purpose of this page is to provide information on why the Registry of Deeds is such a boon for family history research in Ireland.
Arborealis
Memorials of Irish deeds.
Arborealis
Legal terms used in deeds and other proceedings.
Irish Geneaography
The Registry of Deeds. The site offers practical guidance on using these records.
Irish Geneaography
The Registry of Deeds: History & Future.
Ireland Reaching Out
Registry of Deeds: A Repository of Wills & Land Transactions.
Kae Lewis
Searching the Registry of Deeds, Ireland.
Researching Historic Buildings in the British Isles
Historic property taxation and valuation in Britain and Ireland.
Irish Genealogy Toolkit
Land and property records in Ireland. The guide gives This page gives a summary of the main Irish land and property resources.
FamilySearch Research Wiki
Ireland Land Records. The article discusses some of the major types of Irish land records, what they contain and how to access them.
FamilySearch Research Wiki
Ireland Land and Property.
Irish Family History Centre
Executors, Ors. and the Registry of Deeds.
Townland Resources
Irish Genealogical Research Society
Index of Townlands, 1901. The site offers access to the Index of Townlands from 1901. The index, published in 1904 by the Commissioners of Census, was created as an aid in processing the returns for the 1901 census of Ireland. The index provides an alphabetical listing of townlands and towns in Ireland, along with various administrative divisions such as parishes and electoral divisions.
Irish Townland and Historical Map Viewer
Tailte Éireann (formerly Ordnance Survey Ireland). The service allows users to view historical and townland boundaries and features for the island of Ireland on interactive maps. Enables fast search and pinpointing of particular Irish townlands, names and boundary features.
The IreAtlas
Townland database. Search of the IreAtlas Townland database. The results of a county or townland search show all the townlands within the requested county together with the barony and parish.
nidirect
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. In this section you can access lists of townlands arranged in the following different ways by county, by parish, within the estates of major landowners and alphabetically.
Irish Homelands
The website offers a tool for exploring Irish townlands. Users can access a detailed list of townlands and search by parish or county if you’re unsure of the townland name.
John Grenham
Irish Placenames. 1851 General Alphabetical Index to the Townlands and Towns, parishes and Baronies of Ireland. Search the entire Index, together with street listings from Dublin, Cork and Belfast cities, more than 65,000 entries in all.
Irish Genealogy
Family Research 2016: Placenames. This article explains and explores how townlands and parishes got their names with links to useful resources.
Online Databases
Tailte Éireann
landdirect.ie. The website is the official online service that enables users to search the Land Registry map, view and order title documents for over 2.2 million registered properties in Ireland. Additional services include access to the Registry of Deeds records.
NI Direct
The website offers access to land and property information in Northern Ireland, specifically through the Land Registry, the Registry of Deeds, and the Statutory Charges Register.
Registry of Deeds Index Project Ireland
The site provides three main searchable index databases: a name index for memorial transcription books, a grantors index and a townland (place) index. These indexes help to locate property ownership and historical land transfers in Ireland.
Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland
The Registry of Deeds. Exploring Eighteenth-Century Irish Property Records in partnership with Tailte Eireann. Curated by Dr Brendan Twomey and Dr Patrick Walsh. The site offers access to tens of thousands of digitised memorials of deeds. The collection includes over 65,000 memorials comprising more than 636,000 searchable indexed records.
FamilySearch
Transcripts of memorials of deeds, conveyances and wills, 1708-1929. Access transcriptions of Irish property records and wills, with indexed volumes organised by grantor and by land.
Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland
Cromwellian Surveys, 1652-1703. Access digitised surveys and maps showing the owners of confiscated land from Irish Catholic landowners who had supported the Royalist cause during the English civil war. The records contain detailed descriptions of the old landowners and the quantity of land they forfeited. The resource includes fully searchable, transcribed and digitised volumes of the Books of Survey and Distribution, the Civil Survey and the Down Survey Maps.
Ancestry
Irish Records Index, 1500-1920. This database is an index containing a wide range of Irish historical records held at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The index includes details such as name, date, residence and item numbers drawn from histories, pedigrees, parish registers, probates, and orphan’s court records.
CD Roms
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