Australian Irish Genealogy

A very hot topic in Australia at the moment, where did you come from?

Finding out the background of your family name and their place in history that spans many generations is a very interesting subject. With the many research tools now available at your fingertips, Irish Australian genealogy has never been easier. You can find the information you seek without spending hours and hours of time compiling it.

It is believed that the first Irish immigrants came to Australia in 1788. Approximately 30% of the people living there today can trace their roots back to some Irish ancestors. That could be why so many people will tell you parts of it remind them of Ireland. Many of the beliefs and traditions of the Irish are still going strong there today.

It can be exciting to find out who your ancestors were, but be ready for some surprises. Many of the Irish who went to Australia didn’t go freely, but as a prisoner. Some of them for horrible crimes and others for petty things that went against the political regime of the times. So if you discover your ancestors were criminals it is wise to also try to find out what the crimes were that they were held for.

Another reason why so many Irish immigrated to Australia was due to the vast famine back home. They came from all walks of life and so there were many different hierarchies to be found among them as they started their new life in Australia. For many life here was quite prominent. They were able to become business owners, involved in politics, and to have all their basic needs met.

The main areas of Australia where the Irish initially stayed include New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Yet it didn’t take long before they were spreading out further and further. As the word traveled that this area could provide the Irish with a good quality of life, more of them came to settle there. As they formed their own families the area they consumed became quite vast in a short span of time.

Being able to uncover your ancestry is very important. Too much of that history can easily be forgotten over the generations. While you may have a solid understanding of your family tree for many generations it isn’t enough. Yet you can use that information to help you uncover the genealogy you haven’t learned about yet. Make sure you preserve this information so it can be a legacy you pass on to future generations.