A quick question

IpreDictDeatH

I was recently linked with nial of nine hostages via a dna analysis. I understand this supposed person may not have even existed etc..however I was wondering if this dna link means my lineage is pre norman? As in, are my ancesters gaelic /part of the people who lived in ireland pre invasions?

pinkypinky

That link comes from an old very small DNA study. I don't think one can really read too much into it.

IpreDictDeatH

Ah crap! Is there any way of using the 23andme (for instance) genealogy results to beyter understand if ancestors were norman or gaelic etc? Via haplogroup or something? I

pinkypinky

To go back that far, you'll need to take a Y test (if you're a man, or get a brother/father to take if not) to the highest level you can afford (Big Y is about $400 but there are often offers to reduce the cost a little). Haplogroups come from either a Y test or a mitochondrial test. Autosomal DNA will only take you about 6 generations back with certainty. The Y haplogroup given when you take a 23andme test is a very high level.

Have a read of this blog about medieval research conducted by Maurice Gleeson et al using Y DNA.

https://blog.familytreedna.com/y-dna-medieval-genealogies-ui-briuin-dynasty/

Aurelian

Wouldn't you need a verifiable descendent of Niall of the Nine Hostages to test the DNA against?

pinkypinky

We don't even know if Niall was a real person, so it's quite an academic point!