Anyone with Galway ancestors should have this book. As a matter of fact, anyone with Irish ancestors should read this book. When I was asked to review this book, I was not enthused. I just knew that it would be b-o-r-i-n-g. How wrong I was! ... I am recommending this book, not only to those of you with Galway ancestry but, to anyone who is doing Irish genealogy. The information is presented in a way that not only makes it a great reference source but an enjoyable read as well. The Searcher - Southern California Genealogical Society .. O'Dowd's work is well laid out and clearly written, with a comprehensive list of abbreviations, websites, useful addresses and details of further reading material. - . To sum this book up, I would suggest that anybody who is either just getting started or in the early stages of research into their Irish ancestry would find the description of the country's history and its genealogical terms interesting and of use, and even more so, of course, if they have a specific interest in Galway family history. Who do you Think you Are Magazine .. the book is packed with quite comprehensive information which is very useful, not just for starters on a family history trail, but for established researchers. ... The book is attractively produced, with good illustrations and an attractive cover. It is a considerable advantage, especially for a newcomer researching a Galway family connection, to have so much relevant information provided in a well-organised manner, between the covers of one book... The authorship by a person such as Peadar O'Dowd with the vital local knowledge is another bonus. J. Galway Archaeological & Historical Soc. Vol 63. Tracing your Galway Ancestors, an excellent guide through a complex genealogy environment, is recommended to all researchers of Irish roots. NGS Quarterly (US) the author - takes the reader through the various resources available to the researcher including, civil registration records; census and census substitutes; church records (all denominations); gravestone inscriptions; land and property records; wills, administrations and marriage licences; commercial (trade) and social directories and the wealth of information contained in newspapers. Also included is an exceptionally useful bibliography and details on published family histories, especially on the main families of Galway - - For anybody with Galway ancestors, this book is essential reading irrespective of research experience. It is highly recommended for those who want to get the most out of their genealogical research. Ireland's Genealogical Gazette Historian Peadar's new book steers Galwegians on the right path to uncover their ancestries. ... a great help to anyone thinking of starting their family tree. Galway Tribune It shows how to best use the records available for conducting research on Galway families, and where they can be accessed. The Irish World Jan 2011
