Slow day

Belfast: This morning, I had the soda bread with eggs, bacon and sausage; I love soda bread. Add a cup of coffee and that's breakfast for less than three pounds. Today is Public Records of Northern Ireland (PRONI) day so I gathered my information and took off. Two hours later... I finally found the public records office after stopping for directions.

Whether I gleaned some useful information, I don't know. The records aren't as easy to navigate as I would have liked. And some of the records I did manage to access were unreadable and faded. I do think I have some clues to investigate when I have more time. I spent most of the day there, so there's not much else to mention. It’s tough not to find what you’re looking for.

I did find a batch of Armstrongs in the Ballynahinch area from the 1901 Census. I'll need to sort them out, confirm how they're related before I call them ours. The oldest is Thomas at 89 and the census has him listed as the brother of a 56 year-old; I have some serious doubts about that. I did find some probate information on Martin, or 'a' Martin. It could William's father – the timing is right – and he left his assets to both Robert and John. Earlier that year, Jane also left her assets to John. What it all means, I don't know, I'll have to think and do more research.

It took less time to get back to the hostel – typical - and I spent time online booking more accommodation in Dublin. This is a long weekend, so booking ahead is paramount.

All I need do now is to book one last night. I think it will be the Days Inn. It has an airport shuttle, and if I'm flying out at 6.30, I'll need to get there obscenely bright and early. I still have days left to explore and more than half a tank of petrol.