I probably don’t use DNA as much as I should in my family history research. I’m no scientist and it’s a pretty complex process. In saying that, DNA has helped on occasion to prove a theory. I also enjoy checking out new matches from time to time. I currently have 1412 matches with 636 being 4th cousins or closer. Above is the latest update to my DNA results.

I was born and raised in Scotland but my DNA shows I’m more Irish than Scottish. That fits with the research. On Ancestry you can also view the breakdown by parent.

This shows that all my Irish DNA comes from my mum’s side and that also matches pretty much with what I’ve learned from the records. Even the areas in Ireland and Scotland are accurate.

As for the other 6%, well I’m really not sure. That 1% Norwegian is quite intriguing.

Ancestry also has a traits feature where you can see what traits you have and from which parent you get them. For example, according to my results my lack of hand eye coordination comes from my dad and my tolerance for heat comes from my mum. The traits are pretty random like a fondness for fresh coriander or how high I’m likely to be able to jump. Not very thanks to my dad apparently!

If you have a family connection and have taken a DNA test please do let me know so we can compare results. Who knows, it might help break down one of the many genealogy brick walls.