Table of Contents
County Cavan
The inland county of Cavan was the ancient principality of East Brefne, or Brefne O'Reilly. It contains no exceptionally fine features, but was celebrated in the wars for the fastnesses formed by its woods, lakes and bogs, which gave shelter and security to its native possessors. It was one of the Ulster counties formed in 1584 by the lord deputy, Sir John Perrot, and derived its name from the principal seat of its native rulers, which, situated in the centre of a rich tract, is still the chief town. The surface of the county is mainly like that of Monaghan, undulating with small hills and valleys. Its principal interest is in being the cradle of the great river Shannon, which rises in the barony of Tullyhaw, parish of Templeport, townland of Derrylaghan, at the head of a wild district called Glangavelin, and in the valley between Cuilcagh and Langanacallagh Mountains, close to the base of the former. The source or spring is of a circular form, about 50 feet in diameter, called the Shannon Pot, or more generally, Leighmonshena. The water boils up in the centre, and yields a continued stream about eight feet wife and two feet deep in the driest season, which runs four miles an hour. In rainy weather it overflows its banks and all low grounds in the vicinity. There are many caverns and clefts on the top and sides of Cuilcagh which receive the rain; and, as no streams descend, the drainage of the mountain and its subterranean springs combined form an outlet here, and give birth to the Shannon. Two miles from its source it receives the Owenmore, and seven miles farther on, having gathered its tributaries and swelled to a considerable river of fifty to sixty yards wide, with a varying depth of from five to ten feet, it enters Lough Allen in force. Its onward course has been indicated in the article on Leitrim, of which, after leaving Lough Allen, it becomes a boundary. - Picturesque Ireland 1884
Record Sources By Year
| Year | Records |
|---|---|
| 1612-13 | Survey of Undertakers Planted in Co. Cavan: Historical Manuscripts Commission Report, No. 4 |
| 1619-1898 | Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898 https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1584964 |
| 1620-1881 | Ireland Births and Baptisms, 1620-1881 https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1584963 |
| 1630 | Muster Roll of Ulster. Armagh County Library. PRONI D.1759/3C/1, T.808/15164. NLI POS. 206. http://www.therjhuntercollection.com/resources/muster-rolls-c-1630/ |
| 1641 | Testimonies of 263 witnesses to the 1641 Rebellion. http://www.1641.tcd.ie |
| 1660-1834 | Belturbet Corporation records: Annual lists of court cases. NAI MFP 4.1 |
| 1664 | Hearth Money Roll, parishes of Killeshandra, Kildallan, Killenagh, Templeport, Tomregan. PRONI T808/15142 |
| 1703-1704 | Tenants in Kildallan and Killeshandra. |
| 1719-1727 | Account Book of Tithes of the parishes of Mostrim, Granard, Columkille, Drumlumman and Ballymacormick, Templemichael. NAI M1502 |
| 1761 | Poll Pook. PRONI T1522. A list of the 1137 freeholders who had two votes at a County Court held in Cavan to elect knights to represent the county at a parliament held in Dublin on 19 May 1761. http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/search_the_archives/freeholders_records.htm http://www.scribd.com/doc/95728514/1761-Co-Cavan-Poll-Book |
| 1766 | Protestants in parishes of Kinawley, Lavey, Lurgan, Munterconnaught. NAI M 2476; also RCBL http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/search_the_archives/proninames.htm |
| 1784-1790 | Saunderson Estate: Account Book http://www.cavanlibrary.ie/file/Local-Studies/Library-Scanned-Docs/Saunderson-Estate.pdf |
| 1796 | Spinning-Wheel Premium List. 2,400 names for Co Cavan http://www.failteromhat.com/flax1796.php |
| 1801 | Statistical survey of the County of Cavan, 1801 http://www.cavanlibrary.ie/file/Local-Studies/Library-Scanned-Docs/Statistical-Survey-of-the-County-of-Cavan.pdf |
| 1802 | Protestants in Enniskeen Parish. |
| 1813-1821 | Freeholders. NLI IR 94119 C 2 |
| 1814 | Youthful Protestants in the parishes of Drung and Larah. IA, 1978 |
| 1821 | Parishes of Annagelliff, Ballymachugh, Castlerahan, Castleterra, Crosserlough, Denn, Drumlumman, Drung, Kilbride, Kilmore, Kinawley, Larah, Lavey, Lurgan, Mullagh, Munterconnaught. LDS |
| 1823-1838 | Tithe Books http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/pagestab/Cavan/ |
| 1824 | Pigots Provincial Directory http://www.failteromhat.com/pigot.htm |
| 1825 | Registry of Freeholders in the County of Cavan, 01/01/1825 - 01/01/1826 http://www.cavanlibrary.ie/file/Local-Studies/Library-Scanned-Docs/Registry-of-Freeholders-in-the-County-of-Cavan.pdf |
| 1833 | Arms registered with the Clear of the Peace, April. More than 1,500 names. NLI ILB 04 p 12 |
| 1838 | Householders, Mullinanalaghta RC Parish |
| 1841 | Part of Killeshandra parish only. NAI |
| 1843 | Voters List. NAI 1843/71 |
| 1845-1913 | Enniskillen Union Workhouse Records. PRONI BG/14 |
| 1845-1958 | Ireland, Civil Registration Indexes, 1845-1958 https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1408347 |
| 1849 | Valuation Survey of the Castle Hamilton Estate of James Hamilton Esq, 1849 http://www.cavanlibrary.ie/file/Local-Studies/Library-Scanned-Docs/Valuation-Survey-Castle-Hamilton.pdf |
| 1851 | List of inhabitants of Castlerahan barony, c. 1851 With Killinkere Parish registers. NLI POS 5349 |
| 1851 | Some certified copies of census returns for use in claiming old age pensions. NAI |
| 1856-1857 | Griffiths Valuation. http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/ |
| 1901 | Census http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie |
| 1911 | Census http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie |
| 1912 | The Ulster Covenant http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/search_the_archives/ulster_covenant.htm |
Available Roman Catholic Church Records
| Parish | Baptisms | Marriages | Burials | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annagh (Kilmore) | Nov 1845 - Oct 1864 (Anna East) , Jan 1849 - Sept 1875 (Anna West) , Oct 1875 - Dec 1880 , 1875 - 1881 | July 1847 - Dec 1880 (Anna East) , Nov 1864 - Aug 1899 (Anna West) | NLI |
Available Church Records and Transcriptions
Church of Ireland
| Denomination | Baptisms | Marriages | Burials | Parish | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Church of Ireland | 1824-2006 | 1809-1985 | 1809-2006 | Bailieborough | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1800-1877 | 1785-1910 | 1820-1877 | Castleterra | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1831-1840 | 1831-1956 | Derrylane | RCBL | |
| Church of Ireland | 1877-1923 | 1877-1996 | Dowra | RCBL | |
| Church of Ireland | 1835-1875 | Drumcoghill | RCBL | ||
| Church of Ireland | 1759-1879 | 1785-1876 | 1774-1925 | Drung | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1878-2002 | 1840-1955 | 1881-2000 | Gowna | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1879-1957 | 1879-1998 | Killargue | RCBL | |
| Church of Ireland | 1878-2000 | 1845-1956 | 1878-1999 | Killegar | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1735-2000 | 1735-1955 | 1735-1895 | Killeshandra | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1877-1998 | 1849-1955 | 1877-1998 | Killanagh | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1881-1999 | 1845-1949 | 1895-2001 | Kingscourt | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1827-2006 | 1827-2002 | 1827-2006 | Knockbride | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1845-1898 | Larah | RCBL | ||
| Church of Ireland | 1846-1898 | Lavey | RCBL | ||
| Church of Ireland | 1869-1985 | 1878-1984 | 1896-1986 | Moybologue | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1877-2006 | 1846-1876 | 1877-2004 | Mullagh | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1881-2005 | 1846-1955 | 1881-2004 | Shercock | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1798-1863 | 1798-1952 | 1799-1883 | Swanlinbar | RCBL |
| Church of Ireland | 1837 | 1845-1954 | 1878-1906 | Templeport | RCBL |
| Period | Set | Records | County | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1798-1895 | Swanlinbar Chapel of Ease within Kinawley Parish, Cos. Cavan and Fermanagh | 1798-1822: Register of baptisms, 1798-1 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/212/1 |
| 1797-1986 | Tomregan Parish Church, Cos. Fermanagh and Cavan | 1797-1819: Register of baptisms, 1797-1 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/218/1 |
| 1845-1985 | Drumlane Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1874-1985: Baptism register for Drumlane | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/219/1 |
| 1735-1985 | Killeshandra Parish Church, Co. Cavan and for Drumcoghill Church | 1735-1828: Register of baptisms, 1735-1 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/220/1 |
| 1845-1958 | Derrylane Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1845-1917: Baptism register of Derrylane | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/221/1 |
| 1845-1986 | Killegar Parish Church, Co. Leitrim | 1877-1985: Register of baptisms for Killegar | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/222/1 |
| 1877-1986 | Killinagh Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1877-1941: Baptism register of Killinagh | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/231/1 |
| 1859-1985 | Ballaghameehan and Kiltyclogher Parish Churches, Co. Leitrim | 1877-1985: Baptism register of Ballaghameehan | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/232/1 |
| 1879-1981 | Killargue Parish Church, Co. Leitrim | 1879-1957: Register of baptisms of Killargue | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/233/1 |
| 1877-1985 | Innismagrath [sic Inishmagrath] Parish Church, Co. Leitrim, and Dowra Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1877-1985: Baptism register of Innismagrath | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/234/1 |
| 1877-1891 | Dowra Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1877-91: Baptism register of Dowra Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/235/1 |
| 1846-1984 | Derryheen Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1879-1984: Baptism register of Derryheen | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/237/1 |
| 1845-1986 | Denn Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1879-1982: Baptism register of Denn Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/238/1 |
| 1737-1946 | Urney and Annageliffe [sic Annagelliff] Parish Churches, Co. Cavan | 1804-28: Register of baptisms, marriages | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/239/1 |
| 1801-1985 | Annagh Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1801-14: Register of baptisms, 1803-14; | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/240/1 |
| 1892-1985 | Drumaloor Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1892-1983: Baptism register of Drumaloor | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/241/1 |
| 1854-1940 | Quivvy Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1854-1938: Baptism register of Quivvy Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/242/1 |
| 1860-1985 | Cloverhill Parish Church, (St John's), Co. Cavan | 1860-1985: Baptism register for Cloverhill | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/243/1 |
| 1827-1982 | Killoghter [sic Killoughter] Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1827-1905: Register of baptisms, 1827-7 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/244/1 |
| 1825-1930 | Knockbride Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1825-35: Register of baptisms, 1825-35; | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/251/1 |
| 1809-1985 | Bailieborough Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1809-27: Register of baptisms, 1824-7; marriages, 1809-27; and burials, 1809-27, with a list of preachers, 1825-7, of Bailieborough Parish Church, Co. Cavan. 1827-60: Register of baptisms, 1827-59; ma | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/252/1 |
| 1846-1979 | Shercock Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1881-1979: Baptism register of Shercock | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/253/1 |
| 1846-1984 | Mullagh Parish Church and Killenkere Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1877-1984: Baptism register of Mullagh Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/254/1 |
| 1702-1974 | Kilmore Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1702-1805: Register of baptisms, marriages | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/255/1 |
| 1845-1955 | Ballintemple Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1880-1955: Baptism register of Ballintemple | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/256/1 |
| 1856-1986 | Kildallon Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1856-60: Baptism register of Kildollan Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/257/1 |
| 1847-1981 | Newtowngore and Corrawallen [sic Corrawillin] Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1877-1921: Baptism register of Newtowngore | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/258/1 |
| 1845-1904 | Munterconnaught Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1857-1904: Vestry minute with accounts, | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/259/1 |
| 1831-1902 | Lurgan Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1831-1901: Register of baptisms, 1831-5 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/260/1 |
| 1845-1901 | Killenkere Parish Church, Co. Cavan, including some for Mullagh Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1878-99: Baptism register of Killenkere | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/261/1 |
| 1840-1987 | Billis Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1840-1987: Register of baptisms, 1840-4 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/262/1 |
| 1880-1900 | Loughan Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1880-91: Marriage register of Loughan Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/263/1 |
| 1845-1961 | Killenumery [sic Killanummery] Parish Church | 1884-1961: Baptism register of Killenumery | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/264/1 |
| 1827-1984 | Drumlease Parish Church, Co. Leitrim | 1827-48: Register of baptisms, 1827-40; | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/265/1 |
| 1801-1949 | Kildrumferton Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1801-1936: Register of baptisms, 1801-2 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/267/1 |
| 1816-1972 | Cloonclare or Manorhamilton Parish Church, Co. Leitrim | 1816-24: Register of baptisms, marriages | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/268/1 |
| 1846-1984 | Killasnett [sic Killasnet] or Glenlough Parish Church, Co. Leitrim | 1877-1984: Baptism register of Killasnett | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/269/1 |
| 1815-1986 | Ballymachugh Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1816-40: Baptism register of Ballymachugh | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/271/1 |
| 1845-1986 | Ballyjamesduff and Castlerahan Parish Churches, Co. Cavan | 1877-1986: Register of baptisms, 1877-1 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/273/1 |
| 1837-1985 | Dernakesh Chapel of Ease in Drumgoon Parish, Co. Cavan | 1837-1985: Register of baptisms, 1837-1 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/279/1 |
| 1802-1957 | Drumgoon Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1802-14: Register of baptisms, 1802-14; | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/280/1 |
| 1796-1982 | Killesherdoney Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1796-1826: Register of baptisms, 1796-1 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/281/1 |
| 1818-1985 | Ashfield Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1821-7: Baptism register [copy] of Ashfield | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/282/1 |
| 1863-1986 | Templeport Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1874-1986: Baptism register of Templeport | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/286/1 |
| 1840-1986 | Gowna Parish Church, Co. Cavan, previously known as Ballymacaleny | 1875-1986: Baptism register of 'Ballymacaleny' | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/289/1 |
| 1845-1986 | Carrigallen Parish Church, Co. Leitrim | 1883-1986: Baptism register of Carrigallen | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/290/1 |
| 1845-1956 | Arvagh Parish Church [or Arva], Co. Cavan | 1877-1905: Baptism register of Arvagh Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/291/1 |
| 1845-1983 | Castleterra (or Ballyhaise) Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1877-1983: Baptism register of Castleterra | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/294/1 |
| 1845-1983 | Rossinver Parish Church | 1876-1986: Baptism register of Rossinver | Leitrim | PRONI MIC1/296/1 |
| 1757-1986 | Drung and Larah Parishes, Co. Cavan | 1759-1827: Register of baptisms, 1759-1 | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/300/1 |
| 1845-1967 | Larah Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1887-1987: Baptism register of Larah Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/301/1 |
| 1846-1984 | Lavey Parish Church, Co. Cavan | 1883-1984: Baptism register of Lavey Parish | Cavan | PRONI MIC1/302/1 |
Methodist Church
| Period | Records | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1879-1955 | Baptism register of Swanlinbar Circuit, Cos. Fermanagh and Cavan. | PRONI MIC1E/11/1 |
| 1865-1946 | Marriage register of Swanlinbar Wesleyan Methodist Church, Co. Cavan, known after 1879 as Swanlinbar Methodist Church. | PRONI MIC1E/11/1 |
| 1877-1966 | Baptism register relating to Blacklion Circuit, Cos. Cavan, Leitrim and Fermanagh (Blacklion, Swanlinbar, Florencecourt and Aughnacloy Churches), 1877-8; to Blacklion Circuit in Cos. Cavan and Fermanagh, 1878-c.1950; and to Blacklion Methodist Church, c.1950-1966. | PRONI MIC1E/12/1 |
| 1868-1954 | Marriage register of Blacklion Wesleyan Methodist Church, later known as Blacklion Methodist Church. | PRONI MIC1E/12/1 |
| 1839-1910 | Baptism register for Clones Methodist Circuit, Cos. Monaghan, Cavan and Fermanagh [Wesleyan Methodists]. | PRONI MIC1E/27/1 |
| 1872-1970 | Baptism register for Clones Primitive Wesleyan Methodist Circuit, 1872-80; and then for Clones Methodist Circuit, 1910-70. | PRONI MIC1E/27/1 |
| 1872-1946 | Marriage register of Clones Wesleyan Methodist Church, Co. Monaghan. | PRONI MIC1E/27/1 |
| 1879-1970 | Baptism register for Bailieborough Circuit, Cos. Cavan and Monaghan. [Wesleyan Methodist] | PRONI MIC1E/49/1 |
| 1887-1952 | Marriage register for Bailieborough Wesleyan Methodist Church, Co. Cavan. | PRONI MIC1E/49/1 |
| 1880-1928 | Baptism register of Ballyjamesduff Methodist Circuit, Cos. Cavan and Meath [Wesleyan Methodist]. | PRONI MIC1E/50/1 |
| 1886-1917 | Baptism register of Ballyjamesduff Methodist Church, Co. Cavan. | PRONI MIC1E/50/1 |
| 1840-1902 | Baptism register of Killeshandra Circuit, Cos. Cavan and Leitrim, and then of Cavan circuit, Cos. Cavan and Meath from c.1853, which included Killeshandra up to 1870. [For baptism entries from 1870 for Killeshandra, see MIC/1E/52] | PRONI MIC1E/51/1 |
| 1839-61 | Baptism register of Cavan Mission Station, 1839-51; and then of Clones Circuit, Co. Monaghan, 1852-61. | PRONI MIC1E/51/1 |
| 1869-1923 | Marriage register of Cavan Methodist Church, Co. Cavan. | PRONI MIC1E/51/1 |
| 1870-1986 | Baptism register of Killeshandra Circuit, Cos. Cavan, Leitrim and Longford, and of Corlespratten [sic Corlisbrattan] Church on the Cavan and Longford Circuit. [For earlier baptism entries, see MIC/1E/51] | PRONI MIC1E/52/1 |
| 1864-1950 | Marriage register of Corlespratten [sic Corlisbrattan] Wesleyan Methodist Church, Co. Cavan. It was part of Cavan circuit prior to 1870. | PRONI MIC1E/52/1 |
| 1894-1910 | Circuit schedule book for the Killeshandra Circuit - churches at Killeshandra and Corlespratten [sic Corlisbrattan]. | PRONI MIC1E/52/1 |
| 1910-27 | Quarterly meeting minute book of Killeshandra Circuit. | PRONI MIC1E/52/1 |
| 1880-1974 | Baptism register of Belturbet Methodist Circuit, Cos. Cavan and Fermanagh. [Churches at Belturbet and Ballyconnell.] | PRONI MIC1E/53/1 |
| 1880-1955 | Marriage register of Ballyconnell Methodist Church, Co. Cavan. | PRONI MIC1E/53/1 |
| 1846-1910 | Baptism register of Cootehill Methodist Circuit, Cos. Cavan and Monaghan [Wesleyan Methodist]. [For either baptisms, see MIC/1E/54C/2.] | PRONI MIC1E/54/1 |
| 1871-1955 | Marriage register of Cootehill Methodist Church, Co. Cavan. | PRONI MIC1E/54/1 |
| 1877-8 | Marriage register of Cootehill Primitive Wesleyan Methodist Church, Co. Cavan. | PRONI MIC1E/54/1 |
| 1882-1950 | Marriage register of Cortubber [Cortobber] Methodist Church, Co. Monaghan. | PRONI MIC1E/54/1 |
| 1835-78 | Accounts, 1835-42, for Bailieborough Mission and lists of members in the Bailieborough Mission, 1838-46; and in Cootehill Circuit, 1873-8. | PRONI MIC1E/54/1 |
| 1847-72 | Register of members of the Cootehill Circuit, 1847-72; with baptisms, 1835-6 and 1843-6. Churches at Cootehill, Bailieborough, Kingscourt, Rockcorry and Shercock. | PRONI MIC1E/54/1 |
| 1894-1910 | Register of members of Ballybay Band of Hope, Co. Monaghan. | PRONI MIC1E/54/1 |
| 1882-1961 | Baptism register of Mohill, later called Ballinamore and Newtowngore Methodist Circuit, Co. Leitrim. | PRONI MIC1E/55/1 |
| 1888-1905 | Damage register of Mohill Methodist Church, Co. Leitrim. | PRONI MIC1E/55/1 |
| 1897-1949 | Marriage register of Newtowngore Methodist Church, Co. Leitrim. | PRONI MIC1E/55/1 |
| 1897-1910 | Quarterly meeting minute book of Mohill Methodist Circuit. | PRONI MIC1E/55/1 |
| 1910-36 | Quarterly meeting minute book of Mohill Methodist Circuit. | PRONI MIC1E/55/1 |
Other Available Records
| Record | Location |
|---|---|
| Gravestone inscriptions | http://www.kabristan.org.uk |
| Cavan Library Online Section | http://www.cavanlibrary.ie/Default.aspx?StructureID_str=33 |
Resources
 | 1796 Spinning Wheel Premium List |
 | Barony Resources relating to
Baronies
|  | Civil Parish Resources relating to
Civil Parishes
and Townlands |
 | Poor Law Union Resources relating to
Poor Law Unions
|  | Research |
| Resource Resources relating to
County Cavan
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