An increasing number of guests at Ballynoe House are genetically related to the either of the owners through DNA-matching. These have been beyond 5th cousins and from as far distant as Australia and the United States/Canada. Ballynoe House is also an ideal base for those of the Irish diaspora who are interested in exploring their West Cork roots. DNA is underpinning many family trees and bringing families closer together!

Struggling with your DNA matching and understanding the basic behind genetic genealogy?
The resident genetic genealogist at Ballynoe House can help you.

The resident genetic genealogist has Facebook blogs covering both owner’s mix of British & Irish heritage and free assistance is offered to proven genetic connections through shared ancestral matching online (through projects on Ancestry, MyHeritage and GEDmatch) as well as general guidance and personalised tutorials for guests.

DNA testing and genetic genealogy is becoming an increasingly popular hobby reaching beyond the paper trail of traditional family history. The reason? DNA never lies, but people and paper often do, which means many of us have family mysteries that we never knew we had or have some rumours or stories that might be solved through a DNA test and a little bit of genetic detective work.

Throw in the West Cork tourist hub of Clonakilty and  everything else that the area around Ballynoe House has to offer, what’s not to like? An opportunity for the genealogist in you to have something of  a busman’s holiday!

It doesn’t matter how twisted your family tree might be, DNA testing can often help provide answers.