A NEW project is looking for volunteers to help map the genetic history of Ireland.
The Living DNA initiative seeks to identify patterns of DNA within Ireland and has put out a nationwide appeal for Irish people with four Irish grandparents to take part.
The Irish DNA Research Project, led by British ancestry firm Living DNA, is appealing for individuals with four Irish grandparents all born within 50 miles of each other to join the project by taking a DNA test.
By focusing on people whose grandparents were all born in close proximity, the team aim to build up the most detailed and accurate regional map of Ireland's genetic history – prior to the mass migrations of the 20th century.
David Nicholson, managing director of Living DNA said our DNA "can tell us extraordinary things about our origins and family histories, all from a simple cheek swab".
"Already at Living DNA, we can break down people's ancestry from the British Isles to 21 regions, including Ireland. Using data gathered in this project, we will take things a whole step further for those with Irish ancestry – enabling anyone to pinpoint exactly where their ancestors came from within Ireland.
To find out more about the project, visit: www.livingdna.com/irishdna
