Currently accepting clients for...

• DNA
• Family History Research
• Speaking / Presenting
• Writing /Publishing

Ciara is a Qualified Genealogist so you can have confidence in her credentials and her adherence to the Professional Code of the Register of Qualified Genealogists.  She is also a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and adheres to their Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.  In the course of earning an MSc (Distinction) in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde, her work was rigorously assessed and judged to have met the highest standards of practice.  She has carried out genealogical research in a range of countries and time periods, including using genetic genealogy (interpreting DNA test results), palaeography (deciphering old handwriting), heraldry (coats of arms), and advanced tools and techniques for researching and reporting.  Furthermore, she regularly engages in activity to maintain and develop her professional knowledge and competence.

You can contact Ciara using the Shamrock Roots contact form or via email at hello@shamrockroots.com or telephone at +44 28 9621 8628.  You can also connect with @ShamrockRoots on Facebook, Twitter/X, Mastodon and Bluesky.

Genealogy education
In addition to doing client work, Ciara supports other people who wish to develop their skills in genealogy.  She gives talks on genealogical topics and writes articles for genealogy magazines and websites.

For her Master's dissertation, she researched the Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland (also known as the Journal of the Irish Memorials Association).  She was awarded an RQG prize for achieving the highest mark that year.  She developed a tool to help others to use this wonderful source for researching their Irish family history and local history: Mems Dead.

As a tutor at the University of Strathclyde, she supports students who are studying for a postgraduate qualification in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies by offering them advice and guidance as well as marking their coursework and giving them feedback on it.

As one of the Directors of the Register of Qualified Genealogists, she supports other genealogists and their clients by running the organisation and managing its affairs, ensuring good corporate governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Geographic Specialities
Ciara particularly enjoys researching the people and places of Ireland and has many years of experience tracing family trees in Ireland as well as following the stories of Irish emigrants and their descendants in Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

Testimonials
"Thank you so much for completing our genealogy project in a timely and extremely professional manner.  Working with you is a pleasure.  The book that documents our family history in Ireland is stunning and will be a family keepsake.  I could not be more satisfied with the work you have done."
Michael - Washington, USA

"I had some information on my family's ancestry, but it was incomplete and not evidence based.  I was keen to have this properly researched and a compiled record of what could be discovered.  I contacted Ciara and from our first conversation I was confident she had the skills and expertise to undertake this task successfully.  Ciara created a fully researched document within the agreed time period which she then had printed for me as a beautiful book.  It was a pleasure working with Ciara on this project and I would have no hesitation in recommending Shamrock Roots to anyone seeking this type of service."
Sean - Northern Ireland

"I asked Ciara to look into my grandfather's ancestry.  We discussed the output and she produced a book with facts and anecdotes about his family, as well as a beautiful printed family tree, which we framed for him.  Everything was really professional... communication, advice and - most importantly - the output.  She unearthed some really interesting facts and details, which we hadn't known and all our family enjoyed reading about.  My grandfather loved it and couldn't stop talking to everyone about it and what he had learned!  I couldn't recommend more highly.  Thank you."
James - London, England

Lectures

• Starting your family history research in Ireland
• Irish genealogy tips
• Irish gravestone inscriptions
• The Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland (also known as the Journal of the Irish Memorials Association)
• Other topics on request

Repositories

• Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), Belfast
• General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI), Belfast
• Other repositories in Northern Ireland and Ireland on request
• Online and remote access to archives and libraries worldwide

Research Time Periods

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century
• 18th Century
• 17th Century

Honorifics/Credentials
Qualified Genealogist (QG)

Affiliations

• Tutor on the postgraduate Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies programme at the University of Strathclyde
• Director of the Register of Qualified Genealogists
• Member of the Association of Genealogy Educators and Schools
• Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists

Degrees

• MSc (Distinction) in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies (University of Strathclyde)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies (University of Strathclyde)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies (University of Strathclyde)
• MA (Cantab) Economics (University of Cambridge)