The Celtic Way Podcast - Ep 3: Featured Michael Talty and Helen Walsh Executive & County Librarian

In this episode, Stephanie speaks with Helen Walsh, County Librarian of Clare, and Michael Talty, Executive Librarian of Local Studies, to explore the rich world of genealogy, archives, and ancestral storytelling in County Clare.

Helen shares her passion for genealogy and the importance of preserving local and diaspora history, emphasising Clare’s unique digital resources that help people trace their family roots as far back as the 1820s. Michael discusses the Clare Local Studies Centre’s exhibition celebrating 100 years of O’Dea family records and artifacts, launched in honour of the newly appointed O’Dea Clan Chieftain.

Together, they discuss the role libraries play in preserving Irish memory, the enduring presence of the O’Dea surname in Clare, and why discovering ancestral origins creates such a powerful sense of belonging for people across the world.

Learn more:
⁠https://clarecoco.ie/your-council/news/o-d...

Visit our website: ⁠www.thecelticway.com.au⁠

Listeners can expect insights into topics such as:
Ireland’s deep sense of place and why genealogy is such a powerful draw for both locals and foreigners.
How the Ennis Library helps visitors reconnect with their Irish roots, including local newspapers.
Hidden gem collections and archives in Clare for family history researchers.
Memorable stories of travellers making emotional ancestral discoveries.
How librarians collaborate with local historians, churches, cemeteries, and genealogy experts.
The biggest challenges in genealogy and archival work.
Regional differences in how family history is kept or celebrated across Ireland.
Common misconceptions about researching Irish ancestry.
What it means personally to help someone find where they come from.
One thing every Irish person should preserve for future generations.
Insights into clan associations and their most common heritage questions.

Here are all the links mentioned by Michael Talty from Clare Libraries:
Local Studies Centre: ⁠https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/library/...
Genealogy Section: ⁠https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/...

US Contributor Records: ⁠https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/...

National Library Microfilm Registers: ⁠https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls000...
Local Parish Transcriptions (example): ⁠https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/...

Cemetery Index: ⁠https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/...

Clare Library Transcriptions: ⁠https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/...
Original Maps & Records: ⁠https://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-va...
How to Understand Griffith Valuation:
⁠https://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-roo...


Valuation Office: ⁠https://www.valoff.ie/en/contact-us/⁠
PRONI Valuation (Northern Ireland counties): ⁠https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/searc...

Irish Genealogy (Civil Records): ⁠https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/⁠
National Library Family History: ⁠https://www.nli.ie/family-history⁠
1901/1911 Census: ⁠http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/⁠

Clare Heritage & Genealogy Centre: ⁠http://www.clareheritage.com⁠
Genealogist Declan Barron: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Sharon Carberry (US-based research): ⁠[email protected]⁠
Oak Ancestry: ⁠http://oakancestry.ie/⁠
Generous Genealogists: ⁠http://generousgenealogists.com/⁠