Country of Arrival Records Before you bring your search back to Ireland, it's important to exhaust your resources in the United States. Various agencies and institutions did a fairly good job of record-keeping, and in most cases, these records still exist. Searching all US sources becomes even more important when you take into account that many Irish records haven't survived -- for example, the various censuses from the 19th century. Cemeteries Tombstone inscriptions and sexton's records are usually the best sources for determining the county of origin in Ireland. You are more likely to find this information if the cemetery is attached to a specific church. For example, tombstones for Irish-born in Roman Catholic cemeteries are famous for stating for the birthplace in Ireland. Even if the tombstone does not give a place of origin, it (or an internment list) may give clues to other relatives whose origins can be traced. Be cautious though. Tombstones and sexton's records are only as accurate as the person giving the information. While sexton's records can sometimes give you a county of origin or direct you to relatives buried nearby, they can contain mistakes. Tombstones have always been expensive. Many poorer Irish were buried either without a headstone or with one that may simply state the last name. If your Irish immigrant family was poor, don't be too surprised if there isn't even a headstone on their grave. There have been some wonderful books written where Irish tombstones have been transcribed: "Old Calvary Cemetery: New Yorkers Carved in Stone" Rosemary Muscarella ISBN: 0788404539 http://www.readthemovie.com/rootsbooks/amazon.cgi?0788404539 "Tombstones of the Irish Born: Cemetery of the Holy Cross, Flatbush, Brooklyn" Joseph M. Silinonte ISBN: 0788400770 http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/BookStore/ShowProduct.cfm?PRODID=266 NOTE: These books only list tombstones where a location in Ireland is actually listed on the tombstone. I can personally attest to Mr. Silinonte's book. Surnames are listed alphabetically and cross-referenced. Would be very grateful to hear of similar books for other cemeteries in the NYC area! If you obtain an internment list, be sure to try and research the other people buried in the grave. Usually, but not always, they were relatives. By researching these relatives, you may just uncover your county of origin! Take care, Tracy