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Frequently Asked Questions

Traveling for research, especially to another country, can be daunting. If you have a question, most likely someone else has, too! If you don't see the answer to your question here, feel free to reach out to us through our messaging tool or at familytreetravels@yahoo.com.

Payment

What does my payment cover for me?

The price includes a 7 night hotel stay in Dublin City near the National Library, Irish Breakfast every day, Research Assistance, a 50 minute research consultation at the Irish Family History Centre, admission into your choice of EPIC: The Irish Immigration Museum or Jeanie Johnston, Monthly Zoom Preparation Meetings, a preloaded LEAP card that can be used for buses and Luas in Dublin, our Welcome and Farewell Dinners, and a T-shirt! You will also get to meet Irish genealogists during the dinners.

What does the non-researching companion payment cover? 

The price includes a 7 night hotel stay in Dublin City near the National Library, Irish Breakfast every day, admission into your choice of EPIC: The Irish Immigration Museum or Jeanie Johnston, a preloaded LEAP card that can be used for buses and Luas in Dublin, our Welcome and Farewell Dinners, and a T-shirt. This price does NOT include a consultation at the Irish Family History Centre, the monthly zoom meetings, or research help from professional genealogists. This price is also based on dual occupancy.

Why does my non-researching companion have to room with me? 

The price of the non-researching companion can be reduced to what it is because the room would be a dual occupancy room. This is primarily a research trip. If the non-researching companion would like their own room, they can book their own trip separately. We have limited space for researchers, so we have to reserve that space for them.

Why does the price increase from year to year?

This price increase is to anticipate inflation and fluctuation in conversion from the US dollar to Euros. We have to anticipate an increase in price of all the elements that are being paid for through your fee. This is to keep us from having to make the price higher after you've booked if inflation and conversion rates go beyond what is anticipated.

Research

Why do I have to know what county my ancestors are from?

This is a research tour, and your research will be more fruitful in Ireland if you already have the county that they came from. Most of the records that can help you find this information are available online. You will have a lot harder time finding your exact ancestors without this information.

How do I find which county my ancestors are from?

You can do this through your own research using FamilySearch, Ancestry, FindMyPast, irishgenealogy.ie, nli.ie, or rootsireland.ie However, if you don't want to do the research yourself, or you've hit a brick wall, you can book our Irish expert Karlee Twiner to conduct a research project. You can also book an online Zoom consultation with the Irish Family History Centre genealogists.

Do I have to go to all the repositories on the itinerary?

Nope! You can pick and choose which ones will be most helpful to your research. For example, if you've already found your ancestors in valuation records, you can choose to go to the National Library during that time or even just explore the city!

What is the benefit of researching in person? Aren't all records online?

Unfortunately, the records available online are only the tip of the iceberg. You can find a plethora of records that are kept in archives and libraries. Researching in person also gives you the opportunity to experience the culture of Ireland, interact with other researchers, and pick the brains of professional genealogists.

Do you have a research tour to Belfast, Ireland?

At the moment, we only take tours to Dublin, but if there is enough interest in a Belfast Research Tour, we would gladly add one. Let us know if you're interested!

Do you have research tours anywhere else in the world?

Right now, we only have the research tour to Dublin, Ireland. However, we hope to expand in the future based on interest. We hope to take groups to places like London, Edinburgh, Washington, D.C., and many other places! Let us know if you're interested in any other place, and we will take it into consideration.

Personal Questions

I need to use a wheelchair, cane, or generally have a hard time walking. Can I still participate?

Of course! Ireland is generally very accessible, other than very old buildings. Just let us know what kind of assistance you may need, and we will be happy to help you. Even public transportation is wheelchair accessible, but if you would rather, you can always book a personal taxi to take you where you need to go.

I would like to share a room with someone to save money, but I don't have anyone who wants to come with me. Can I get a roommate?

At the moment, we do not provide roommate options as most rooms do only have a single queen bed.

What hotel will we be staying in?

Until plans are finalized, the hotel may change based on room availabilities. Rest assured, you will have a nice place to stay, and as soon as the location is nailed down, we will let you know.

What is a TFI Leap Card?

The Transport For Ireland Leap Card allows access to public transportation in Dublin. This includes buses and luas (trams). This is a refillable card, but the amount on your Leap Card provided should get you through your whole research trip. You are always welcome to use taxi services if desired, but the Leap Card is a great way to save some money.

Heritage Tours

What is included in a heritage tour package?

We will research your family history to help find where your ancestors lived and what their daily lives may have looked like. We will then book your accommodation, ground transportation, historical tours that are significant to your ancestors' lives, and, if requested, a professional genealogist will join you for an additional amount to be a tour guide.

What is different between heritage tours and research tours and how do I know which one to choose?

Research tours allow you to do research on the ground with a professional genealogist available to help if needed. These tours remain in one place with a focus on being in archives and libraries. Heritage tours focus on learning about the history and lives on ancestors through travel. The research will be done beforehand by a professional genealogist, and we will curate a personal tour for you to travel around your ancestors' stomping grounds and enjoy historical tours of museums that can give more information about the lives that your ancestors' might have lived. If you love doing your own family history research, join us on our research tours. However, if you just enjoy hearing about your ancestors and traveling, then our heritage tours are perfect for you!

Why are heritage tours more expensive?

Our heritage tours include a 40 hour genealogy project to help flesh out your ancestors and help you connect better to them. This project then helps us to curate a personal tour specific to you and your family. If a genealogist is requested to join you, the price will increase in order to cover their expenses and pay for their time.

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