Ireland, Wills and Grants of Probate, 1858-1900

Historical Context

This collection comprises records relating to wills and grants of probate in Ireland for the years 1858-1900. To ensure the legality of a will of a deceased person, a grant of probate must be made by the courts. As part of this process, the original will is lodged with the courts, however, if someone dies intestate, without having made a will, the courts can grant letters of administration for the disposal of the estate. Before 1858, grants of probate and administration were made by the courts of the Church of Ireland, which was the established State church. After 1858, grants of probate and administration were made by the civil courts: the Principal and District Registries of the Probate Court before 1877 and of the High Court from 1877.

This Collection

This collection comprises books of wills and indexes to wills. It also includes registers and indexes of administration. You may find more than one record relating to the same person so make sure to check both search results as one may provide the date of probate and the other may relate to the will itself. Details available vary but users may find:

• Name
• Name of relative(s)
• Relationship to deceased
• Place and date of will or probate