The Plunkett DNA project began in August 2005. The site volunteer surname administrator is a retired patent attorney who has done genealogical research for over 30 years. Any male with the surname Plunkett is eligible to participate in the Plunkett DNA project by taking a Y DNA test. Women must find a male Plunkett relative, for example a brother or cousin, to take the Y DNA test for their Plunkett line. Women can also order a test for themselves, either the mtDNAPlus test, or the Mega mtDNA test (preferred), but the results of these tests cannot determine their Plunkett lineage, only the lineage of their mother’s female line. The Plunkett Surname Project Administrator does not recommend the 12-marker yDNA test because it is not specific enough for genetic genealogy and would only show that the Plunketts are related to many of European descent. A 37-marker yDNA test is preferable. A 67-marker test is only recommended if the 37-marker test is a close match with another member of the Plunkett surname group, or some other group. Plunkett family oral tradition, preserved at Dunsany Castle in Co Meath Ireland by the Plunkett family presently living there, indicates that the Plunketts came with the Danes to Ireland in the mid 900’s in dugout canoes. The most distant ancestor in Peerage records traces the Meath and Louth Plunkett branches to John Plunkett who died in 1352. He m. Alice/Alison Rochfort/Talbot who was living in Drogheda, Co Louth in 1359. By the 17th century there were approximately 15 landed branches of the Plunkett family in Ireland. Vital records in Ireland are largely unavailable, not only because of the destruction caused by Oliver Cromwell, but also because of the burning of the Dublin Public Records Office in 1922. Not all Plunketts originating in Ireland are related; this is due to surname adoption, or due to adoption of a male child, or due to illegitimacy. Since most Plunketts cannot prove their relationships through Irish vital records, DNA testing offers the next best hope. To date, 7 unrelated groups of Plunketts have been identified using their Y DNA. A plurality of Plunketts are probable Meath/Louth Plunketts and related to Saint Oliver Plunkett. To prove this the Plunkett project seeks a documented member of the Plunkett British peerage to take a complimentary DNA test. To apply for this test, please contact the Plunkett surname administrator.