About Me

Welcome!

My name is Jennifer McLaughlin-Doherty and I am a Professional Genealogist , Historian and ATGI affiliated Irish National Tour Guide based in Co. Donegal, Ireland. Although my original career background was in Forensic and Management Accountancy, from an early age I was deeply fascinated by the heritage, culture and social history of both Ireland and Scotland.

Having one parent from each country, I developed a natural connection to the traditions, stories and ancestral landscapes of both places. My interest in genealogy began at just 10 years of age, learning the old-fashioned way at my grandmother’s kitchen table, preserving family stories and recording details long before the digital age transformed research methods..

A woman with curly hair, wearing sunglasses, a pink shirt, and white shorts, standing outdoors in front of a castle, Irish flags, and a Celtic cross, with two Shetland Sheepdogs and various informational signs. She is holding a microphone and smiling.
A woman with curly reddish hair and sunglasses smiling in front of bright pink flowers and green trees.

From my teenage years onwards, I spent countless hours visiting archives and repositories throughout Ireland and Scotland, building extensive personal research collections and databases at a time when very little information was accessible online. Those early experiences laid the foundations for what would later become a lifelong profession and passion.

Over the years, I formalised that training and developed a specialist career in genealogy and historical research, continually expanding my expertise across both traditional and emerging fields.  ​In particular, I have developed a strong interest in genealogical DNA analysis, combining modern testing methods and DNA matching tools with documentary research to help clients overcome genealogical brick walls, confirm ancestral connections and uncover previously unknown branches of their family tree.

Around 20 years ago, I transitioned from the world of company finance into full-time professional genealogical research, applying the same analytical skills, precision and attention to detail to tracing family histories. 

As the business evolved, I also trained as a professional tour guide, earning my Local, Regional and National guiding badges. I now specialise in bespoke heritage, ancestral and cultural experiences throughout Ireland and Scotland - work that I find both deeply fulfilling and personally rewarding.

Today, I undertake commissioned genealogical research, lead bespoke private tours, deliver genealogy talks and presentations, and teach family history classes during the winter months. I also regularly contribute to RTÉ, Ireland’s National Broadcaster, along with independent television and media productions.

I live with my family and two Border Collies, Max and Bran on the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula, in Co. Donegal, often referred to as the “jewel in Ireland’s crown” and happily extol the virtues of my homeland whenever I can, especially to those who have never been before. It gives me great joy to reconnect those of the Irish Diaspora worldwide to their ancestral home in Ireland and to allow them to visit in a meaningful and memorable way.

With over 30 years’ experience in Irish, Ulster-Scots, and international genealogical research, I’ve helped hundreds of families across the world trace their roots, uncover lost branches, and reconnect with ancestral stories that span continents and generations.

Whether you are beginning your family history journey, struggling to progress further or chasing a long-lost connection, I offer tailored research that fits your needs - no generic reports, just real, meaningful discoveries.

​​Over the years, I’ve worked with private clients from all over the world, as well as on high-profile heritage projects for local councils, media productions, hotel groups, and international companies. Many of my commissions have led to emotional reunions, newfound relatives, and lifelong memories made on Irish soil.

Once the research is done, I can help bring your family history to life - literally. With more than 15 years’ experience in custom tour planning and guiding across Ireland (and Scotland), I offer unforgettable heritage tours designed around your ancestry. You’ll walk where your ancestors walked, see the homes they built, and feel the history under your feet. Every journey is personally researched and tailor-made and we’ll start with a friendly, no-obligation Zoom call to explore what’s possible.

I look forward to helping you discover your own story and creating a meaningful journey of heritage, connection and place.
Let’s turn your family’s past into a living, breathing adventure. Your Irish story is waiting to be rediscovered.

Four people standing together outdoors in a mountainous landscape, smiling with rocky slopes and cloudy sky in the background.
A group of six people smiling and posing outdoors in a mountainous area with green hills and a clear blue sky.

Genealogical Research

Professional family history research specialising in Irish and Scottish ancestry, DNA analysis, house histories, heirloom books and diaspora connections.

Specialist in location of ancestral home locations for future visits to Ireland and Scotland.

Media & Public Speaking

Regular contributor to RTÉ television and radio plus heritage media projects, delivering genealogy talks, presentations and educational workshops.

Clients include: The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA), Donegal County Council, Education and Training Boards Ireland, Irish Men’s Shed Association, Friends of Irish Genealogical Research, CNN Travel Magazine.

Two women sitting on a stone wall near a lake with mountains in the background. One woman has red hair and is wearing a black jacket, the other has brown hair and is wearing sunglasses and a black sweater. They are smiling and appear happy.

Work Portfolio

A woman with long, wavy red hair sitting at a desk in front of a bookshelf, smiling. She is writing in an open book and has a pen in her hand. The desk has books, maps, a magnifying glass, a laptop with a logo that reads 'Irish Ancestral,' a mug with the same logo, and framed photographs. The bookshelf behind her is filled with books and framed pictures.
Two women smiling in front of a backdrop with RTÉ Radio 1 logos.
A woman wearing sunglasses, a navy blue t-shirt, white shorts, and sandals standing on a dirt path with her arms outstretched in front of a castle surrounded by green hills and a blue sky.

Bespoke Heritage Tours

Privately guided ancestral, cultural and scenic experiences throughout Ireland and Scotland, individually tailored to each client.

All group sizes and budgets catered for - from single travellers to large family groups or organised collectives, such as heritage / history or church groups.

Heritage Consultancy

Research and historical consultancy work for organisations, heritage groups and cultural projects.

Projects include: The Gathering (Ireland), Easter Rising Commemorations, Carrickabraghy Castle Conservation, O’Dochartaigh Clann Reunion (Ireland), McLaughlin Clann Reunion (Ireland), Morrison Clann Reunion (Ireland), family histories of Tipp O’Neill and John Hume, 1998 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Jim McGuinness (Donegal GAA Football Manager) and Rob Roy McGregor.

Enquire Now

Share your genealogical aspirations, and our specialists will craft a tailored research journey designed to uncover the people, places and stories that shaped your family history.