Journeys Home

Actor and award-winning travel writer Andrew McCarthy leads the charge in ancestral travel as he masterfully describes his own quest to uncover his Irish roots, followed by twenty-five other compelling stories that span the globe. From Sicily to Russia to Taiwan and beyond, each of the 26 stories provide a personal take on journeying home, including actively searching for previously unknown roots, meeting up with old family, and perhaps just visiting the old country to get a feel for one's roots. Sidebars and a hefty resource section provide tips and recommendations on how to go about your own research, and a foreword by the Genographic Project's Spencer Wells sets the scene. A mix of essay, service, photography, heirloom, with an added touch of fun and surprise, this elegantly packaged book provides a unique take on the genealogical research craze. McCarthy's award-winning travel pieces often focus on the theme of home. He talks about kissing the ground the first time he visited Ireland, having never explored his Irish roots. This is the story of his quest, augmented by the stories of others exploring their own roots. Popular BBC television show Who Do You Think You Are has created a buzz, and with internet capabilities making genealogical research more accessible than ever, the interest in family history continues to grow exponentially. Statistics from geneaologyintime.com show UK interest is growing at 21% (the global average). Destinations are learning that ancestral tourism brings money to every small village, town, and city - and they are creating programs to lure ancestral tourists. A recent study estimates the market for ancestral tourism at GBP2.4 billion to the Scottish economy over five years. Consultants TNS estimate 50 million people with Scottish ancestry who may want to trace their roots. Ireland, likewise, with 2013 heralded as The Gathering Ireland and the perfect excuse for the 70 million or so who claim Irish heritage to trace their roots.