Griffith’s Valuation Handout
Introduction
The Griffith’s Valuation was conducted from 1830 to 1865 (i.e., the period of The Great Famine) to provide a means of taxing all of Ireland and now, a helpful tool for genealogists for that period. Since the census records from 1861, 1871, 1881 and 1891 were mostly lost, it helps fill the gap before the next full census in 1901. Today, you can access the data through an online search facility on a free website.
Book: “Richard Griffith and His Valuations of Ireland”, James R. Reilly, Clearfield Printing, 2000, ISBN 0-8063-4954-9, 108 pages
Website www.askaboutireland.ie
Where?
As with all Ireland research, place names represent a huge challenge (at least for us non-natives). Most names are Gaelic in origin, and many have morphed over the years. Hence, researchers need to gather as many clues as possible about “where” before launching their search.
Navigation
Once you have a person of interest, you can display the record sheet that will illustrate the lot number, the name of the tenant (and neighboring tenants), the immediate lessee, size of the holding and the valuation. Then, you can display a map of the area and zoom into the exact lot number. A slider bar on the map allows you to adjust the map from the original historical version to a contemporary version (with roads, towns and highways shown). You can also shift to a satellite version of the same map. The maps show details of villages, buildings, old forts, roads, etc.
Ron Gilmore
Last updated: April 5, 2023
Email: info@rgenealogy.ca
Website: rgenealogy.ca