Celtic Connections Conference 2026 is a live, virtual event that explores the tools, records, and methodologies needed to locate family members separated by history and life circumstances.
Dr. William J. Roulston
Dr. William J. Roulston joined the Ulster Historical Foundation as a researcher in 1997, becoming Research Officer in 2002 and Research Director in 2006. He was awarded a PhD in Archaeology by Queen’s University Belfast in 2004. He is involved in a number of organisations in the heritage field and serves as a Member of Council of both the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society and the Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland. He is an Honorary Vice President of the Federation for Ulster Local Studies. He has lectured widely on a range of historical and genealogical subjects in the UK, Ireland and North America.
Dr. Roulston is the author of a number of books looking at different aspects of the history of Ireland and the sources for its study. His most recent book, Researching Ulster Ancestors, 1800–1914, was published in 2026.
Researching Ulster Ancestors after 1800
The nineteenth century marks a turning point for family historians researching Ulster ancestors. This talk, delivered by Dr William Roulston, author of the bestselling research guide Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600–1800 and recently published Researching Ulster Ancestors, 1800–1914, explores what makes this period distinct, from major social and economic change to the rapid expansion of record-keeping.
Focusing on the years after 1800, Dr Roulston explores twenty key points including the evolution of record keeping, land ownership changes, and societal developments. This informative video is ideal for beginners and more experienced researchers alike and offers practical guidance and fresh perspectives on uncovering Ulster ancestors in the nineteenth century.
Presentation begins promptly at 9:00AM EST (09:00).
Dr. Tyrone Bowes
Dr. Tyrone Bowes is an Irish biotechnologist and founder of Irish Origenes, a pioneering initiative that uses commercial DNA testing to pinpoint ancestral origins with townland-level precision. Born in Dublin and trained in biology and biotechnology, he earned a Diploma in Biology (Distinction, 1995), a First-Class Honours Degree in Biotechnology (1998), and a PhD in Neuroimmunology (2003), and has worked in academic and industrial research labs across Ireland, Britain, and Europe.
His scientific career took a transformative turn in 2010 when Y-DNA testing revealed that his own Bowes lineage was not English—as the surname suggests—but Native Irish (Ó Buadacháin / O’Bowe), rooted in a specific Gaelic clan territory whose legacy survives in local placenames and living descendants. This discovery inspired him to develop innovative tools that combine genetics, history, and geography to identify the precise homelands of Irish, Scottish, and English surnames.
DNA and Irish Genealogy
How precisely can DNA identify where your Irish ancestors came from? Drawing on years of research in biotechnology, genetics, and Irish history, Dr. Tyrone Bowes will explore how modern Y-DNA testing, combined with historical records and geographic analysis, can identify the ancient clan territories and even the townlands where many Irish surnames originated. Attendees will gain an understanding of how genetic genealogy is transforming Irish family history research and learn about the opportunities—and limitations—of using DNA to uncover ancestral origins.
Presentation begins promptly at 11:00AM EST (11:00).
Pamela Holland
Pamela Guye Holland, CG®, lives in Manchester, New Hampshire, and has been researching family roots found in Ireland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Germany for over twenty years. Pam works for Research Services at American Ancestors (New England Historic Genealogical Society) and as the US-based genealogist in the Green Room at YourIrishHeritage.com. Her research specialties are Irish and Genetic Genealogy. Her website is GenealogyByPamHolland.com. She lectures both virtually (world-wide) and in-person (in the Greater Boston area).
Migration Patterns in Irish Genealogy
Our Irish ancestors did not immigrate on a whim. They often followed in the footsteps of other family members or their neighbors and friends. Learn about the history of chain migration including well known routes from specific Irish locations to cities and regions in North America. Discover strategies for recognizing and exploring chain migration in your family.
Presentation begins promptly at 1:30PM EST (13:30).
Susan M. O’Connor
Susan O’Connor has been involved in genealogy since before she was born! When her parents announced their engagement, a distant relative declared “Maurice Bowler’s daughter has no business keeping company with Katie Manning’s son!” Testimony from an Irish missionary priest in Georgia enabled her parents to marry but it was only on their 60th wedding anniversary when Susan presented them with a detailed pedigree chart that they learned they were actually 3rd cousins. Susan has researched her family in Ireland, Australia and the United States and those of her husband from French Canada for over 20 years. She holds a Certificate in Genealogy Research from Boston University.
Currently, Susan is the Treasurer of NEAPG and the President of the Massachusetts Genealogical Council.
AI and Irish Genealogy: Opportunities, Pitfalls, and Best Practices
Curious about artificial intelligence but unsure whether it belongs in your genealogy toolbox? Discover how AI can help Irish genealogists find records, interpret documents, transcribe handwriting, translate Irish and Latin, analyze evidence, and write compelling family histories. Through real-world examples, you'll learn the opportunities, recognize the pitfalls, and apply proven best practices so AI becomes a trusted assistant—not a replacement—for careful genealogical research.
Presentation begins promptly at 3:30PM EST (15:30).