This diploma course is being delivered by Members of Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI)
Outline of Advanced Course
Duration & Structure
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Schedule: One evening per week (Thursday)
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Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
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Duration: 10 weeks
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Dates: 19 February 2026 – 30 April 2026
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Break: No lecture on Thursday, 2 April (Easter weekend)
Evening Structure
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Session 1: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
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Break: 7:30pm – 8:00pm
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Session 2: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
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Tutorial / Session 3: 9:00pm – 9:30pm
Please note: The first evening of the course follows a different structure.
Week 1 – Thursday, 19 February 2026
Welcome & Course Introduction
6:30 – 6:45
Welcome
6:45 – 7:45
Census 1926 and Beyond
Gill Johnson
An introduction to the 1926 Census (released online on 18 April), including a review of UK census records post-1911, the impact of partition after 1922, and how to access and use these records for genealogical research.
8:15 – 9:15
Report Writing
Techniques for writing genealogical reports, including style, citation, transcription, use of images, and the inclusion of contextual and background information.
Tutorial
Gill Johnson & Sandy O’Byrne Feenan
Homework 1: Evaluation of provided information and preparation of a short opening statement outlining suggested research steps.
Week 2 – Thursday, 26 February 2026
6:30 – 7:30
Wills and Testamentary Records
Steven Smyrl
Exploring the genealogical value of wills, surviving records following the 1922 Public Records Office explosion, and strategies for locating substitute documents.
8:00 – 9:00
Registry of Deeds
Máire MacConghail
An in-depth look at the Registry of Deeds from 1708 and how deeds can be used to extend family histories into the 18th century.
9:00 – 9:30
Tutorial: Reading Old Handwriting
Sandy O’Byrne Feenan
Homework 2: Short Registry of Deeds transcription.
Week 3 – Thursday, 5 March 2026
6:30 – 7:30
Estate Records
Nicola Morris
An examination of landed estates, rent rolls, maps, and estate papers as key genealogical sources.
8:00 – 9:00
The Genealogical Office, Parliamentary Papers & Chief Secretary’s Office Records
Sandra Doble
Three focused lectures covering enhanced parliamentary papers, heraldic records, and registered correspondence.
9:00 – 9:30
Introduction to the Main Assignment
Gill Johnson
Week 4 – Thursday, 12 March 2026
6:30 – 7:30
The Civil Survey & Books of Survey and Distribution
Sandy O’Byrne Feenan
An exploration of 17th-century land surveys and the major transfer of land ownership.
8:00 – 9:00
Maps and Travel Guides
Georgina Scally
Understanding historical maps, place names, geographical units, and comparative map analysis.
9:00 – 9:30
Assignment Plans & Q&A
Sandy O’Byrne Feenan
Week 5 – Thursday, 19 March 2026
6:30 – 7:30
Records of the Church of Ireland (Advanced Research)
Sandra Doble
8:00 – 9:00
Manuscript Sources and Early Printed Sources
Gill Johnson
9:00 – 9:30
Tutorial
Including a short introduction to the Quaker Library.
Week 6 – Thursday, 26 March 2026
6:30 – 7:30
Overseas Research – Britain
Gill Johnson
8:00 – 9:00
Overseas Research – North America
Gill Johnson & Hilary McDonagh
9:00 – 9:30
Tutorial: Introduction to Australian Records
Sandy O’Byrne Feenan
Including the Transportation Database.
Week 7 – Thursday, 9 April 2026
6:30 – 7:30
Non-Conformist Records
Steven Smyrl
8:00 – 9:00
The Virtual Treasury
Nicola Morris
9:00 – 9:30
Assignment Q&A
Week 8 – Thursday, 16 April 2026
Repository Visit: National Archives of Ireland
A guided visit and introduction to key resources.
An online alternative will be provided for students unable to attend in person.
Week 9 – Thursday, 23 April 2026
6:30 – 9:00
DNA Research (Double Lecture)
Guest Lecturer: Donna Rutherford
Exploring DNA science, testing methods, and genealogical case studies.
9:00 – 9:30
Tutorial
Week 10 – Thursday, 30 April 2026
6:30 – 8:00
Court Papers
Steven Smyrl
8:15 – 9:15
Military Sources
Sandy O’Byrne Feenan
9:15 – 9:30
Looking Forward
Gill Johnson & Sandy O’Byrne Feenan
