Sue, You do not need an appointment for the GRO (unless that changed since last year). However, this place is the current registration place for Dublin to get a civil record. The hours are restricted. That is, it opens at 9:30 (check on this I may be wrong), it closes for lunch from 12:30 to 2 PM (go to the Museum of Art for lunch. Has a nice cafeteria on second floor) and closes for the day at 4:30. For 15 EU, you have unrestricted use of all the volumes for the day. However, you have to que up to get them (up to five at a time). Also you can only requested five copies (at 1.90 EU per) of records for the day. That's a bummer. If you get there before the office opens (morning or afternoon), do not be dismayed by the long line. Go to the front steps and stand to the left. Researchers are let in first (go to second floor). The others take a numbered ticket when they enter. Good luck. Nora Hopkins FitzGerald Searching Hopkins(Mayo) , Grant, Morgan (Down) _SOUXIEQ@aol.com_ (mailto:SOUXIEQ@aol.com) writes: (excuse the cross-postings -- wanted to reach people on different lists) Well, after hearing all about everyone's great experiences in Ireland, I finally took advantage of AerLingus' latest offer - $206 roundtrip from NY to Dublin! Since I have a few months to plan, I'd like to start compiling some tips from those of you who've visited & had success locating records. I'm going to be there for 9 days & be visiting Co. Roscommon (mainly) & Co. Cork. I thought someone mentioned once that you needed an appointment at the GRO? Thanks in advance! I want to make my trip as productive as possible (while still having a great time, of course!) ~Sue Curley :)