Hello, I am Ciara Chivers – the genealogist at Shamrock Roots. I love helping people to make discoveries about their family history and connect with their heritage. I take pride in a job well done so I strive to provide quality products that you and your family can treasure.
I am a Qualified Genealogist so you can have confidence in my credentials and my adherence to the Professional Code of the Register of Qualified Genealogists. I am also a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and I adhere to their Code of Ethics and Professional Practices. In the course of earning an MSc (Distinction) in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde, my work was rigorously assessed and judged to have met the highest standards of practice. I have carried out genealogical research in a range of countries and time periods, including using genetic genealogy (interpreting DNA test results), palaeography (deciphering old handwriting), heraldry (coats of arms), and advanced tools and techniques for researching and reporting. Furthermore, I regularly engage in activity to maintain and develop my professional knowledge and competence.
I particularly enjoy researching the people and places of Ireland and I have many years of experience tracing family trees in Ireland as well as following the stories of Irish emigrants and their descendants in Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Since I have research experience in other regions too, I am happy to consider projects with a different geographic scope (I will tell you if I am not well placed to undertake the research and I may be able to suggest a suitable researcher from my professional network in such cases).
You can contact me using our contact form or via email at hello@shamrockroots.com or telephone at +44 28 9621 8628. You can also connect with @ShamrockRoots on Facebook, Twitter and Mastodon.
Genealogy education
In addition to doing client work, I support other people who wish to develop their skills in genealogy. I give talks on genealogical topics and write articles for genealogy magazines and websites.
For my Master’s dissertation, I researched the Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland (also known as the Journal of the Irish Memorials Association). I was awarded an RQG prize for achieving the highest mark that year. I developed a tool to help others to use this wonderful source for researching their Irish family history and local history: Mems Dead.
As a tutor at the University of Strathclyde, I support students who are studying for a postgraduate qualification in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies by offering them advice and guidance as well as marking their coursework and giving them feedback on it.
As one of the Directors of the Register of Qualified Genealogists, I support other genealogists and their clients by running the organisation and managing its affairs, ensuring good corporate governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
