Dual citizenship series

Unlocking Irish Dual Citizenship Through Genealogy

Embark on an exciting journey to reclaim your Irish heritage and gain access to the privileges of Irish citizenship with our expertly designed genealogy course. Tailored for those seeking Irish dual citizenship, this self-guided online course provides a step-by-step guide to researching and documenting your lineage to meet the citizenship requirements.

Our team of expert genealogists will walk you through the intricacies of Irish citizenship laws, teaching you how to navigate genealogical research with precision and compile application materials effectively. Through engaging real-life case studies and practical exercises, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to build a strong citizenship application.

By completing this course, you'll not only connect with your Irish roots but also open doors to the benefits of an EU passport, including enhanced travel freedom, residency, and work opportunities across Europe. Whether you’re starting your research or finalizing your application, this course is your comprehensive roadmap to achieving Irish dual citizenship and unlocking a world of opportunities.
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What's included?

  • 8 Modules
  • 30 Detailed Lessons
  • 14 Downloadable Handouts
  • 1 Certificate of Completion

Connect to Your Irish Ancestors

This course is designed for individuals with Irish-born ancestors who emigrated away from Ireland, especially those who immigrated to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, providing tailored guidance to trace your family history, uncover your ancestral connections, and establish your eligibility for Irish dual citizenship. Reconnect with your heritage and honor the journey of your Irish forebears.

Research with Expert Guidance

Our team of instructors are professional genealogists with over 70 years of combined experience and who worked in close collaboration with Irish citizenship agencies to provide accurate research and application insights. They’ll guide you through the process, dispelling common myths about obtaining Irish dual citizenship and ensuring you are prepared and informed for your journey.

Course Content

Trace Your Path to Irish Citizenship

Expert Guidance from Leading U.S. and Irish Genealogy Partners

Unlock the insights and tools you need to explore your Irish heritage and navigate the path to dual citizenship in this collaborative course co-authored by two premier genealogy companies, bringing expertise from both sides of the pond.

Ancestor Solutions

Based in Dublin, Ireland
Ancestor Solutions is Ireland’s leading provider of professional genealogy and probate research, trusted for its unmatched expertise and results. With a skilled team of genealogists boasting over 200 years of combined experience and more than 3,000 successfully completed cases, Ancestor Solutions is dedicated to uncovering and preserving family histories with accuracy and care. Established to meet the growing demand for reliable and thorough ancestry research, the team combines traditional investigative methods with modern technology to deliver exceptional results tailored to each client’s unique needs.
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Trace

Based in the United States
TraceYourPast.com, formerly Trace.com, is a global platform connecting clients with expert researchers across 100+ countries. Over the past decade, we’ve expanded beyond managing thousands of genealogy projects to becoming a leader in genealogy education. Since 2021, we’ve offered comprehensive courses on family history research and genetic genealogy, empowering learners to use DNA and traditional methods to uncover their ancestral roots. Our mission is to combine expert insights, innovative tools, and accessible education to help individuals connect with their past and appreciate the richness of their heritage.
Trace Your Path to Irish Citizenship

Expert Guidance from Leading Irish and U.S. Genealogy Partners

Hilary McDonagh

Ancestor Solutions
Hilary McDonagh is the Founder and Director of Ancestor Solutions, bringing over 20 years of professional expertise in genealogical and family research. A dedicated researcher, speaker, tutor, and author, Hilary holds a degree in History and Geography and a Diploma in Genealogy and Family History from University College Dublin. She is an esteemed member of Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) and serves on the Genealogy Advisory team at the National Archives of Ireland, a position she previously held at the National Library of Ireland. Her passion and expertise have solidified her reputation as a leader in the field of genealogy.

Cyndi Harlin

Trace
A professional genealogist for almost two decades, Cyndi holds a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and is a graduate of ProGen. She is passionate about both history and genealogy, and finds assisting clients with their ancestral mysteries deeply rewarding. Cyndi’s areas of research are wide-ranging, but include the eras of the Civil War, Reconstruction and the ensuing westward migration leading up to Victorian America and the Great Depression.

Jim Ryan

Ancestor Solutions
Dr. James Ryan has been a prominent figure in Irish genealogy for over 35 years, contributing extensively as an author, educator, and publisher. He has written six books on Irish genealogy, including the acclaimed Irish Records – Sources for Family and Local History (Ancestry Inc., USA), and founded Flyleaf Press, a leading publisher of Irish genealogy guides, operating from 1987 to 2024. A seasoned lecturer, he has presented to numerous genealogy societies across Ireland, the UK, and North America. Formerly a professional family history researcher, Dr. Ryan now focuses on writing and lecturing, frequently contributing to genealogy and local history periodicals. His research interests include Irish church records, highlighted by his editing of Irish Church Records (Flyleaf Press), and tenant rentals, which document agreements and rent payments.

Ericka Grizzard

Trace
Ericka Grizzard is an educator, writer and professional genealogist with over 15 years of research experience. She has a Master’s Degree in teaching from the University of Southern California, with classroom experience in both history and science education. She develops and writes genealogy course curriculum for Trace and conducts research throughout the United States and Canada, with an emphasis on 19th & 20th century immigration to the United States and modern military research, including World War I and World War II.

Pat Brennan

Ancestor Solutions
Pat Brennan is a seasoned journalist and editor with a distinguished career in Irish print and broadcast media, bringing her investigative expertise to the field of genealogical research. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, she pursued advanced studies at University College Dublin (UCD), earning a master’s degree in Anglo-Irish Studies, as well as a Certificate in Genealogy and the Lord Mayor’s Certificate in Local Studies. As a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, Pat is deeply familiar with the Irish citizenship process, having successfully obtained citizenship by descent through her Donegal-born grandmother. Her unique blend of journalistic rigor and genealogical knowledge makes her an invaluable resource for uncovering family histories.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to attend classes on a fixed schedule?

No, Trace's genealogy courses are entirely self-paced. You can complete the lessons at your convenience through our user-friendly online learning platform. There’s no need to worry about attending classes at specific times.

I’m overwhelmed by the documents required for my citizenship application. Will this course help?

Absolutely! This course provides step-by-step guidance on identifying, finding, and obtaining all the documents needed for your citizenship application. You'll learn exactly what is required and how to gather the necessary records with confidence. You’ll also learn about acceptable alternative records in the event that the required primary documents were lost to time or never created.

I don’t know much about my family history. Can I still apply for dual citizenship in Ireland?

This course is designed to help beginners uncover their ancestry and determine eligibility for Irish citizenship by descent. You’ll learn how to research your family history, document your findings, and navigate the specific requirements for citizenship applications.

Will I need to share my personal information or documents during the course?

No, your personal information remains private. The course is focused on empowering you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to apply for Irish dual citizenship on your own. While you’ll complete interactive activities to reinforce your learning, you won’t need to upload any personal information or documents.

Our students love us

Outstanding courses!
These courses are very well written and extremely detailed. I look forward to being able to expand my knowledge in various other areas when they come out with new courses!
E.W.
The course was very logical and one module definitely built on the next. I felt prepared to move on to more complex topics as we went. I'm very excited to use the taught methodologies combined with the worksheet tools given to us, to break down walls in my family genealogy!
L.P.
LOVED this course. So glad that I signed up for it. Extremely useful and informative. I really appreciated all of the handouts and resources that were provided with each module. Instructions were clear and step-by-step application of research methods was appreciated.
K.D.

Our motto is

Genealogy Education Done Better

At Trace we are committed to providing accessible, engaging, and accurate educational resources that cater to both novice family historians and seasoned genealogists. We are dedicated to creating a comprehensive genealogy learning platform that bridges the gap between generations, cultures, and histories. Through a blend of innovative technology, expert insights, and a supportive learning environment, we aim to facilitate the unlocking of personal histories, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our collective human story.
Reclaim the Legacy of Your Irish Grandparents

Irish Dual Citizenship and the EU Passport

For many, Ireland represents more than a country—it is a place of deep ancestral connection, cultural pride, and rich history. If your roots trace back to Ireland through your grandparents or great-grandparents, you might have the extraordinary opportunity to reclaim your heritage through Irish dual citizenship. This process, formally known as Irish citizenship by descent, does more than honor your lineage; it grants you access to a coveted EU passport, opening doors to a world of opportunities in Europe and beyond.

Rediscovering Your Irish Roots

For many people, the journey toward Irish citizenship begins with curiosity—a vague sense of connection to the Emerald Isle. Perhaps your family has stories about grandparents emigrating from Cork or Galway. Maybe you’ve always felt drawn to Ireland’s rolling green hills, spirited pub songs, and enduring cultural traditions. That connection is no coincidence.
Ireland’s legacy is one of migration, and its diaspora is among the largest in the world. Over 70 million people globally claim Irish heritage, with many living in the United States, Canada, and Australia. If your ancestry includes an Irish grandparent or parent, you are likely eligible for Irish citizenship by descent, a pathway specifically designed for descendants of Irish-born citizens.

This legal framework allows individuals to restore their ties to Ireland, not just in a symbolic sense but in a way that confers full citizenship rights and privileges. For those eligible, this process is about more than filling out forms—it’s about honoring a family legacy and embracing the opportunities that come with it.

What Irish Dual Citizenship Offers

Acquiring Irish dual citizenship is transformative, granting practical benefits that extend far beyond Ireland’s shores. One of the most significant rewards is access to an EU passport, widely regarded as one of the most powerful travel documents in the world.

An EU passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries. It also provides unrestricted rights to live, work, and study across the European Union’s 27 member states, including vibrant destinations like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

The Emotional and Cultural Rewards

Beyond the practical benefits, reclaiming Irish citizenship is an act of cultural and personal reclamation. It connects you to a proud and storied heritage that spans centuries. Ireland’s identity is steeped in resilience, creativity, and community, and as an Irish citizen, you become a part of that living tradition.

Imagine walking the streets of Dublin or visiting the same village where your grandparents grew up. These aren’t just trips—they’re pilgrimages that deepen your understanding of your family’s history. As you trace your roots, you’ll likely uncover stories of courage and perseverance that shaped not only your ancestors but also your own identity.

By reconnecting with Ireland, you also gain access to its vibrant cultural life. Whether it’s celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in its homeland, participating in local festivals, or learning the Irish language (Gaeilge), becoming an Irish citizen invites you to fully immerse yourself in a dynamic culture.

Unlocking Irish Citizenship: Overcoming Obstacles with Expert Guidance

Reclaiming Irish citizenship through descent is a deeply meaningful journey, connecting you to your heritage while offering practical benefits like an EU passport. However, navigating the process can feel overwhelming without the right support. From understanding eligibility requirements to addressing common challenges, our course, Unlocking Irish Dual Citizenship Through Genealogy, is here to guide you every step of the way.

This comprehensive, self-guided course is tailored to help you overcome the complexities of the application process. You’ll receive clear guidance on the specific documents required to prove your connection to Ireland, including proof of identity and ancestral records. More importantly, you’ll learn how and where to obtain these critical documents, even if they seem hard to find or have been lost to time.

For many applicants, challenges like incomplete family records, navigating the Foreign Births Register, or understanding legal requirements can be roadblocks. Our course provides strategies to overcome these hurdles, helping you streamline your application and avoid unnecessary delays.

By enrolling in Unlocking Irish Dual Citizenship Through Genealogy, you’ll gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence to trace your Irish roots, secure the required documentation, and successfully claim your Irish citizenship. Whether you’re honoring your heritage or unlocking the opportunities of an EU passport, this course empowers you to reclaim the legacy of your Irish grandparents with ease and assurance.

Embracing the Legacy of Your Irish Grandparents

Obtaining Irish citizenship by descent bridges the gap between your family’s past and your future. It’s about honoring the sacrifices of your ancestors who left Ireland seeking new opportunities, while also seizing the opportunities now available to you as their descendant.

Imagine carrying an EU passport that connects you to Ireland and the wider European community. Picture yourself immersed in the culture of your ancestors, not as a tourist but as a full-fledged citizen of the land they once called home.

This process isn’t just about gaining legal rights or privileges; it’s about finding a sense of belonging in a globalized world. With every document you gather and every step you take, you’re building a bridge that links you to Ireland’s proud history and promising future.

Begin Your Journey Today

The road to Irish dual citizenship is as rewarding as it is transformative. By tracing your family’s roots and securing your place in the Foreign Births Register, you’ll unlock a world of opportunities tied to your Irish heritage. Whether it’s the allure of an EU passport, the economic and educational benefits of citizenship, or the emotional fulfillment of reclaiming your identity, the possibilities are endless.

Start your journey now and honor the legacy of your Irish grandparents by embracing the extraordinary opportunity to call Ireland your home—today and for generations to come.