Irish Wills Index 1484-1858

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The index list records at the National Archives that are not simply an index. In other words, there is a document worth looking at behind every index entry. Each index entry contains the name of the person leaving a will, or being covered by a grant of probate or administration. It also contains their address, sometimes their occupation, and the place where the document was proved (i.e. a diocesan or the Prerogative court). The index also contains the names of the executors for almost half the entries, along with their addresses. In essence this index contains all the information contained in the National Archives finding aids (i.e. card catalogues, typed lists, and original summaries).

What records are included?
First of all this is an index to records at the National Archives of Ireland only. It is only concerned with those records which survive in more than index form. In other words: original documents, copies, transcripts, abstracts and extracts. Furthermore this index covers the years up to 1858 only, when the whole testamentary system was transferred from Church control to the State.

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