About
Where Genealogy, Heritage
And Travel Come Together
Introducing Our Lead Family History Researcher
Jennifer
McLaughlin-Doherty
Professional Genealogist, Historian and ATGI Irish National Tour Guide
Jennifer McLaughlin-Doherty helps people discover their family history and visit the places that shaped it. Based in Inishowen, County Donegal, she brings more than 30 years’ genealogical experience to researching Irish, Scottish and Ulster-Scots ancestry, alongside personally planned heritage tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.
- Professional Genealogist
- 30+ Years’ Experience
- ATGI Irish National Tour Guide
- Historian
- DNA Research Specialist
- RTÉ Contributor
The Beginning
A Story That Began At The Kitchen Table
Jennifer’s interest in genealogy began at ten, listening to family stories at her grandmother’s kitchen table. With one parent from Ireland and the other from Scotland, she grew up connected to both countries and curious about earlier generations.
By her teenage years, she was visiting archives and repositories, recording discoveries and building research collections long before records became widely available online.
Her first career in forensic and management accountancy developed the analytical skills and attention to detail that she would later bring to professional genealogical research.
That childhood curiosity has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping others discover their own family stories.
Work Portfolio
From Research To The Road
Genealogical Research
Discovering The People Behind The Records
For Jennifer, family history extends beyond names and dates. Her research explores where people lived, how they earned their living, why they emigrated and the communities they left behind.
She combines documentary research with genealogical DNA analysis to investigate difficult questions, assess family connections and explore previously unknown branches of a family tree.
Her work includes ancestral home searches, land and emigration records, house histories and family heirloom books. Each commission is shaped around the client’s questions and the evidence available.
By bringing these sources together, she helps clients understand how their ancestors’ lives fit within the wider history of their communities.
Bespoke Heritage Tours
From Family History To A Journey Home
Heritage tours grew naturally from Jennifer’s research. Clients wanted to see the townlands, homes, churches and landscapes they had come to know through their family stories.
Jennifer trained as a professional guide, earning her Local, Regional and National guiding badges. She is a member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland.
Today, she creates bespoke journeys for individuals, couples, families and groups. An ancestral visit can sit alongside Ireland’s scenery, historic sites, traditional music and local experiences, giving visitors time to discover both their family connections and the country itself.
Scotland holds a personal place in her work too, with research and tours exploring its ancestral communities, history and landscapes.
“Let’s turn your family’s past into a living, breathing adventure.”
Media & Public Speaking
Research, Teaching And Media
Jennifer’s work has included research into the Donegal ancestry of former US Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neill and Nobel Peace Prize laureate John Hume.
She has contributed genealogical research to RTÉ productions, including work on Jim McGuinness’s ancestry for Ireland’s Rising, and historical expertise to CNN Travel’s coverage of the “Poitín Republic of Urris”.
Alongside commissioned research and guiding, she delivers talks, presentations and family history courses. Her speaking and teaching work has involved organisations including Donegal County Council, The Irish Ancestral Research Association, Friends of Irish Genealogical Research and Education and Training Boards Ireland.
Heritage Consultancy
Rooted In Inishowen, Co. Donegal
Jennifer’s connection to local heritage also finds expression through community projects, writing and Clann gatherings.
She was the editor and main contributing author of the 500-page Clonmany Festival 50th Anniversary commemorative book. Her heritage work has also included O'Dochartaigh castles conservation including Carrickabraghy Castle, O'Doherty's Keep and Burt Castle in Inishowen, Heritage Week events and the organisation of O'Dochartaigh, McLaughlin, O'Donnell, Morrison and Duffy Clann Reunions and Family Gatherings.
These connections bring local knowledge and personal understanding to her work, helping visitors encounter the communities behind their family histories.
People And Places
Shared Discoveries
Begin Your Own Story
Whether you would like to explore your family history or plan a journey to Ireland or Scotland, Jennifer welcomes your enquiry.
Every bespoke tour begins with a free, no-obligation Zoom call to discuss your interests and explore what Irish Ancestral Group can arrange for you.
Enquire With Irish Ancestral Group