Ireland

In the years of the potato famine (1845-1852), the Byrne family fled from Ireland. Many of their records still remain in their home country, however. From other records, we know that the Byrne family was very wealthy and could read and write. Supposing that the county the Byrne family came from had the highest level of literate families, use information from "Ireland's History in Maps" above to answer these questions:

1. What county is it most likely that the family came from?
2. What percentage of the population was illiterate or economically lower-class within that county?
3. How might this information help you in future searches for your ancestors?

1. Find the map for the 1840s and select it.
2. Read through the information and statistics listed on several different counties to answer the research questions.

1. The most likely county for the family would be Antrim.
2. The Antrim population is 41% literate and 23% "lowest class housing."
3. This information is helpful because it allows researchers to develop a greater understanding of the demographics in the place where their ancestors came from, and where that ancestor might have fit in to society.
   (Contributed by Kaylee Lynn)