The Irish Mapping DNA Project is intended to support research on geographic origins and patterns of surnames and Y-DNA originating in Ireland. The goal is that by comparing precise latitude and longitude origins of persons with similar Y-DNA signatures, their genetic homeland in the era of surname formation can be identified.

Although surnames have generally been passed patrilineally from father to son in Ireland, there are exceptions and so matches to surnames other than your own could mean that one branch adopted a different name based on a strong patriarch who was well known in his era.

In general,precise identification of geographic origin depends on two important factors:

1. Having sufficient resolution in the DNA tests to indicate relatedness in the last 300-500 years. Effectively such resolution requires identifying a high-resolution terminal SNP using the Big Y-700 test. By high resolution, we are talking about something at level 40 or higher on the Genetic Homeland DNA Ancestral Marker Pedigree tool.
   
   • If you've already gotten your Y-SNP results, you can enter your terminal Y-DNA SNP for free on the tool at: DNA Marker Pedigree Tool
   • If you have not ordered a Big Y-700, here is a presentation explaining some of the potential benefits: Why Get the Big Y
   • For broader descriptions of Y-DNA, haplogroups, and terminal SNPs, see: Wikipedia
   • Another description for terminal SNP is here: DNA Explained - Terminal SNP


2. Having matches whose geographic origin are known with a degree of precision. Ideally this would mean finding and testing persons in Ireland with a long geographical continuity such as traditional farmers.  Failing that, persons with a good paper genealogy trail down to the parish and townland level may provide geographical pointers.

To see a map of your personal matches, log into your personal profile on FTDNA and then go to the [myFTDNA] - [myDNA] - [Y-DNA] - [MatchesMaps] menu item.  Or a direct URL is: https://www.familytreedna.com/my/matches-map

As this is a geographically-oriented project, we sub-group members by mid-resolution SNP markers rather than surnames. This choice is based on the capabilities of the current online mapping tools so that some patterns may be discernible. Where the Project Administrators can plot a latitude and longitude position for the described earliest known ancestors with Advanced access to your kit, we may do so in order for the project mapping to have the most comprehensive display possible and our plot may be different and overwrite a geographic plot made by the project member.

Also note that in order to gain new insights, participants should be willing to share their results in a de-identified manner on the project web sites.  It is a two-way street, we gain a wider perspective and genealogy insights on our individual heritage but also help other researchers connect and clarify their heritage through reciprocity and friendliness.

The DNA Project Administrator may assist you with technical questions around DNA tests and results for YOUR research.  The Administrator is not an employee of FamilyTree DNA, nor does time allow for the Administrator to conduct genealogy research for you. Administrators may also use the aggregated data of this DNA mapping project as part of scientific research and presentations on genetic genealogy.