Registration of births was made compulsory in Ireland from 1864. From that date to the present day there is an index for each year. From 1878 the index is divided into quarters within each year. At the end of each year is a section for late registrations.

An index entry will give the first name(s) and surname of the child. If the child has not been named at the time of registration then male or female will be used instead. In addition the registration district is recorded and a reference number.
A typical birth certificate will record:

Date and place of birth
Child’s name
Place of birth
Sex
Father’s name if known and his address
Mother’s name and her maiden name
Father’s occupation
Name and residence of informant

If you wish to request a search of the birth index and / or receive details from the certificate please go to our BMD Requests page.