With conservative estimates indicating that at least 10 percent of the U.S. population has Irish roots, The Shelbourne’s genealogy butler provides a well-regarded service for guests eager to explore their ancestry.
The historic Dublin hotel collaborates with accredited Irish genealogist Helen Kelly to help guests begin tracing their family history in Ireland.
Kelly is one of Ireland’s leading professional genealogists and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland. She has worked as a consultant at major national repositories, including the Genealogical Office, the National Library of Ireland and the National Archives of Ireland, giving her deep familiarity with the records and research methods needed to locate Irish ancestors.
During a one-hour advisory session, Kelly reviews information about a family’s Irish emigrants, evaluates available records, and develops a focused, practical research plan tailored to each guest’s goals. Her guidance typically includes recommendations on which archives and online sources to consult, how to interpret key documents such as civil and church records, and next steps to advance the family search.
Guests who wish to book a genealogy consultation should do so in conjunction with a confirmed reservation at The Shelbourne. Participating guests receive an online assessment form to complete before arrival, allowing Kelly to begin preliminary research and maximize the value of the in-person session.
The Shelbourne’s genealogy service is designed for both first-time researchers and those with some background in family history. By combining local expertise, access to national records, and a structured research plan, the service helps visitors make meaningful progress on their Irish family history while staying in Dublin.
To ensure an efficient consultation, provide as much detail as possible on the assessment form—names, dates, places, immigration details and any family stories or documents you already hold. Even limited information can point researchers toward parish registers, census substitutes, emigration registers or naturalization papers that unlock further leads.
While the one-hour session is an excellent starting point, many guests choose to continue research afterward, either independently using the strategies provided or by engaging a professional genealogist for deeper archival work. The Shelbourne’s partnership with experienced local researchers offers an accessible, personalized route for visitors to connect with their Irish heritage during their stay.