Registration of non-Catholic marriages began in 1845 in Ireland. Registration of births, marriages and deaths, regardless of religion, began January 1, 1864. The obligation to register these events rested on the public and failure to do so carried hefty fines. Certificates for births, marriages and deaths for all of Ireland until 1922 are housed in Dublin. Belfast has the records for Northern Ireland from 1922 to present. Clues to family history and genealogy are found in the civil records. The occupation or title give clues to the family’s lifestyle. The family historian may also use occupational clues to find additional information, either in general or specific to the family. Guild records, apprenticeship records, military regimental records, land records, borough records, and other sources may be useful. Probate, peerage books, and land records are sources if there is a title involved. If the birth or death occurred in the workhouse look for records under the Irish Poor Law. Birth certificates include the date and place of birth; the name; the sex; the name, surname and residence of the father; the name, surname, maiden surname of the mother; the rank, profession or occupation of the father; and the name and qualifications of the informant, usually a family member. A given name was not obligatory, so some entries are Kelly, Male or Clarke, Female. The FHLC holds microfilm copies of the index and certificates for 1864-1955. Marriage certificates include the date and place of marriage; groom’s name, age, marital status, occupation or title, and residence; bride’s name, marital status, age, occupation or title, and residence. The names of the fathers of both parties and their occupations or titles are given which makes them particularly relevant to genealogy. The church and the names of two witnesses are also listed. Witnesses to the marriage are commonly family members and may add clues to family linkages. Full age indicates that the person was at least 21 years old. Registration of non-Catholic marriages began in 1845 in Ireland. Registration of births, marriages and deaths, regardless of religion, began January 1, 1864. Certificates for births, marriages and deaths for all of Ireland until 1922 are housed in Dublin. Belfast has the records for Northern Ireland from 1922 to present. General Register Office, Joyce House, 8-11 Lombard St. East, Dublin 2 Open 9:30-12:30 and 2:15 - 4:30 Fees are payable in Irish punts and cash (Irish, Sterling, US dollars) for any amount. A photocopy of an entry will contain the same details as a certificate but is not suitable for administrative matters. However, it is ideal for genealogical purposes. Photocopy (including search fee) is Irpunts 3.00 and Certificate (including search fee) is Irpunts 5.50. If more than one certificate relating to the death of the same person is required an additional fee of 4.00 Irpunts should be sent for each extra certificate. The exchange rate is 1 IRL to US$1.32. What is required for search: Name in full, date of event, place of event, and, for deaths, age of deceased, occupation of deceased, whether single, married, widow. Ellen