Thanks to the popularity of TV programmes such as “Who do you think you are”?, there is a revival of interest in genealogy. Thanks to our history, the dominant family names in the peninsula are MacLaughlin and Doherty but other traditional Gaelic names are widespread: Harkin, McColgan, McDaid, McFaul, Duffy, Hegarty, Friel and O’Donnell to name but a few.

Names such as Harvey (Malin), Hart (Muff) and Young (Culdaff) represent old landlord families, while McCandless, Platt and McIntyre may be Scottish families who migrated here. Researchers can begin with the Tithe Applotment Books for Inishowen (1830s), Griffith’s Valuation (1850s) and the online census returns for 1901 and 1911 as a starting point.

All have listings for Ballyliffin and district. Researchers should consult the libraries in Carndonagh, Buncrana and Letterkenny, which houses a superb local studies section. So if your ancestors came from Inishowen, now is the time to find out who your friends really are.