James E. KERR posed some interesting questions in his message. Certainly all of the Marriage Certificates he was after SHOULD be obtainable as they are on or after the crucial year of 1864 when Civil Registration commenced in Ireland. What his message raises in my mind are the 'pros and cons' of researching at either the GRO in Belfast or Dublin. Having spent a lot of time at both places I trust you will bear with me as I impart some knowledge of the practicalities. I would say to anyone coming over to Ireland that they should do their homework so far as it's possible before arrival. When time is tight preparation is invaluable. As all of the Marriages James was after would be on the Indeces for Irish Marriages which are on microfilm at the LDS, the important data is there - Year, Quarter (after 1877) place of Registration, Volume and Page number. The same applies for Birth and Death certificates. However, Belfast GRO cannot supply you with Marriage Certificates. The registers are still held at the local Registration offices throughout N. Ireland. Belfast GRO is certainly the most 'user-friendly' of the two establishments. Dublin has a small search room which soon gets crowded. Where Dublin really scores is that you can get a photocopy of the B., M. or D. register entry there and then. This is a great help when you are unsure that the details you have from the respective Index are for the particular family you're searching. In Belfast, although you would get the opportunity to copy down the B. or D. entry from the Registers, a copy of this entry would cost you £4 STERLING. The photocopy in Dublin costs I£1.50 PUNTS. Let me finish by dealing with the questions James put:- 1. Will they let me search their archives as an alien? - YES, the only requirement is to pay the search fee. Belfast like a pre-booking. For Dublin, you just turn up. 2. Can I expect to get certificates on the same day? - NO for Belfast and Dublin if you want Full Certified Certificates UNLESS they are Priority. You pay £10 for this in Belfast. Don't know what the corresponding charge is in Dublin. But YES for the photocopies in Dublin. 3. Should I try to get Data from the local church where they were probably married? - Not necessary in the case of 1864 and onwards. 4.Is their any logic in applying by mail in advance of applying in person? - If there is no hurry YES. Both places will accept postal applications. There are usually long waits! 5. Are their files readily accessed or do you have to wait for a clerk to find the record volumes that you need?- In Belfast you have personal access to the Index books. Don't forget that although the Birth's are all-Ireland up to 1922, after that it's only for N. Ireland. Death and Marriage Index books in Belfast are only post 1922. With an Assisted Search (£15 per hour) the Clerk brings you the Registers you are interested in. In Dublin you only get to look at the Index books, which are all-Ireland. If you want a copy of an entry you fill out a form, pay your money to the Clerk who then gets you a photocopy of the entry. Hope all that is clear and I haven't bored you all to death! If there's any clarification needed on any of these points please get in touch. Yours aye Robert C Davison Hon. Secretary Clan Davidson Association (UK) Visit us at <http://www.phdavison.com/clandavidson