Find your roots. Explore their world.
Explore Irish and Scottish family history through practical research guides, documented historical stories, and journeys to places connected with your ancestors. Learn how to use genealogical records, understand the communities and events that shaped families, and discover castles, clans, and cultural traditions along the way. Whether you are just beginning your family tree or planning a heritage trip, Irish Scottish Roots helps connect what you find in the records with the places behind the stories.
What brings you here?
Trace your family
Begin with the records, research methods, and historical communities that can help you follow your Irish or Scottish ancestors.
Plan a heritage journey
Travel beyond the usual sightseeing stops, with routes and practical planning tools for the places that matter to your family history.
Discover history & culture
Explore clans, castles, migration, mining communities, local traditions, and the events that keep Irish and Scottish heritage alive.
Useful tools for your next discovery
Whether you are tracing a surname, checking a travel schedule, or choosing a Highland Games weekend, start with a practical resource.
Start with these guides
Irish & Scottish migration to America
Understand migration routes and the records left behind.
Fife and the Donlan family story
See how one family’s history connects Scotland, Ireland, and America.
Castles and the stories behind them
Discover historical places worth exploring in depth.
A researcher’s journey
I’m Terry Donlan, founder of Irish Scottish Roots. I’ve researched my Irish and Scottish family history since 1985, and I’ve made six research trips to Ireland and Scotland. This site brings together documented history, practical research help, and heritage travel ideas inspired by that continuing journey.
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Keep exploring
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