Millions of people across the globe claim Irish ancestry. While everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, a growing number of people are interested in testing their DNA to determine just how much of a particular ethnicity comprises what makes him or her unique. Thanks to an array of DNA-testing companies, just about anyone with some disposable income can have a vial of their saliva tested to determine their ancestry.
Millions of People Claim Irish ancestry
Before one starts toasting to St. Patrick, he or she should understand that these tests are not foolproof. Keep in mind that DNA tests use genetic markers that indicate variations in DNA that one or several ethnic groups may possess. Not all companies test for the same number of genetic markers. User error, namely a saliva sample that is compromised, can also affect results. While many of these tests can provide a general range of a person’s ancestry, they are not 100 percent accurate. As long as testers realize there is a margin for error and seek DNA for fun and curiosity, rather than to prove or disprove a country of origin, the results can be entertaining.
Are you of Irish Decent?
If you are, I’d like to hear about that and how you know? Did you use a DNA-Testing kit, if so which one?
If you are one of the Family DNA-Testing companies, I would love to get a kit to test and blog a review about on this blog! If I had a kit, I would share the experience and the results.
First published February 19, 2019. Last updated or republished March 7, 2020.
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