There is a long tradition of emigration from the Ards Peninsula to all parts of the world including New Zealand, Canada, USA and Australia. Brigid Watson has carried out personal research in New Zealand, Canada and Ireland into the stories of emigrants from Ireland. If you would like to trace your Irish ancestors we may be able to assist you with family research.
“My husband and I recently took Brigid’s tour of Portaferry and even though the weather prevented us from walking around the town, Brigid arranged an ‘armchair’ tour for us with a wonderful history of the town and the historic places in it. I’m from Australia, living in Dublin and my mother happened to be visiting Ireland so she came with us. I’ve also recently found out that my ancestors emigrated from Portaferry back in the 1850’s. Brigid has been helping me trace some of the family tree and has put me in touch with some of them that remained in the area. She is an absolute delight and a font of knowledge about the Ards Peninsula. I would highly recommend any tours she organises. I’ll certainly be back in the summer to do another tour!!!
We’ll see you in the summer ????
Kind regards
Carolyn Speyer Australia & Dublin“
“This was the third trip to Ireland for my husband and me, but a first for the other 15 family members who were with us–7 adults and 6 youngsters between the ages of 12 and 17. We initially chose the Ards Peninsula because my father’s ancestors lived there, but it turned out to be a great destination all on its own merits. On one full day we had an excellent personalized tour with local guide Brigid Watson of Ards Peninsula Tours. We would never have found all the places she took us, and we enjoyed having her tell us about the history, geography, and geology of the peninsula. When she learned of my interest in genealogy, she followed up with an email containing several websites where I might find additional information. She also checked some cemetery listings on my behalf. The five stars are well-deserved all around. The area is vibrant without crowds, people are friendly and welcoming, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Cheers!”
Jean Woolley USA
“The tour of Slanes Graveyard was a real eye opener thanks to Brigid. Her knowledge of the area and history of the ‘’residents’’ made for an entertaining and enjoyable time. It is all to easy to stroll around looking at headstones when gathering information for the family tree but if you want the history behind the words I would really recommend this tour. Brigid also provided valuable information on work already done on County Down headstone recording which has helped me move a generation further back on my family tree.”
Bob Moore UK
