Genealogy Centres in Derry
County Derry or Londonderry Genealogy Centre
10-16 Pump St
Derry City
Co Londonderry
BT48 6JG
Northern Ireland
Popular Derry Surnames
The most popular surnames in County Londonderry are: Doherty, McLaughlin, Gallagher, McCloskey, Kane, Kelly, Coyle, Moore, Bradley and Campbell.
Famous people with Derry roots include the U.S. oil magnate Paul Getty, Cardinal John McCloskey of New York, U.S.A., Sir William Massey, Premier of New Zealand and Col. Robert Torrens, Premier of South Australia.
Services
The Genealogy Centre in Derry City is the designated Irish Family History Foundation Centre for County Derry (otherwise called Londonderry) and offers a Full Service to enquirers.
The main records include:
- Roman Catholic records, the earliest of which date from 1773
- Church of Ireland records (Anglician/Episcopalian) commence in 1642
- Presbyterian records date from 1809
- Emigration and passenger records covering much of the 19th Century
- Census records available from as early as 1831
The centre has about 1.2 Million genealogical records. Initial enquiries are replied to within a week of receipt.
Emigration from County Londonderry
Large-scale emigration from County Derry began in 1718 when the so-called Ulster-Scots emigrated to New England and later to Pennsylvania. The chief ports of arrival for emigrants through Derry were New York and Philadelphia in the U.S.A. and Quebec and St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. Throughout the 19th century there
Chief Towns of Derry
The chief towns of Co Derry include: Londonderry, Coleraine, Limavady, Dungiven, Maghera and Magherafelt. The famous 'Walls of Derry', Dungiven Old Priory and the beautiful beaches from Portstewart to Benone are among the places of interest to the visitor to Derry.
The Fifth Province
The aim of The Fifth Province - a dramatic audio-visual presentation - about to be opened at the Genealogy Centre in DERRY is to present, in 40 minutes, the history of the Celtic People of Ireland. The visitor commences a magical hi-tech learning experience in the 'Departure Lounge' with an overview of the history of Derry. Then one enters the 'Module' and is taken through the history of Ireland. The themes of kinship and surname origin are woven into the story. Next, one enters the 'Chambered Tomb' to experience the culture of the Celts. The latest in LCD technology is used to produce stunningly real effects. Finally one is whisked into the 'Space Shuttle' which vividly reflects the Irish diaspora today.