The Niall of the Nine Hostages haplogroup (genetic signature) was one of the first large family groups discovered by DNA testing. It was designated as the Northwest Irish modal, because so many Irish in northwest Ireland have this paternal ancestry. It genetic short hand it is called the R-M222 family.
The R-M222 branch of the Y-DNA tree has a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) called M222. As more men participate in DNA testing an interesting pattern has developed. This diagnostic marker is not only found in many individuals whose roots lie in the counties of Northwest Ireland and Ulster in general, but it is also found in the Scottish Lowlands.
The map above shows the area where this profile is most often found. In the county of Donegal an incredible 20% of the population share this paternal ancestry. The map shows where the R-M222 is found in significant numbers, but it is also found throughout Ireland and Scotland, from the Orkney islands south to the shires of northern England. It even shows up in Iceland and Norway.
Fascinating! When our Ulster Scots ancestors migrated back to Scotland in the mid-late 1800s it was to Renfrew and Glasgow. I would love to know where they started!!
ReplyDeleteI’m a descendent of Rev Edward Brice who emigrated to Ballycarrey from Scotland. I believe he was born a Bruce in Ayrshire.
ReplyDeleteIm researching into my family history and would love one of these dna test done.....can anyone get me in contact with the right person....no I don't want 23&mike.....i want something real
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