George Thanks for the tips in researching of Ireland. The time period I searching would be late 1830s-1854. I am researching my great-grandmother, Mary Catherine McCoy, b. December 25, 1842 (don't know exact year). Have no information on her parents or siblings. She stated in newspaper article in 1943 that "she was born near Robertstown, Ireland along the banks of the Shannon River". It was possibly 1853 when she immigrated to USA at age of 11. Would I have better luck writing to parish priest or addressing letter to the church clerk? If a family immigrated from this area, where possibly would they board a ship, do you think? I am hoping you might have mention of some McCoy as a starting point. Thanks again. Melody USA