John D'Alton (historian)

John D'Alton (1792-1867) was an Irish barrister, historian, and genealogist. He is primarily known for his prolific writings on Irish history, genealogy, and local history, particularly those pertaining to County Dublin, County Meath, and the history of Ireland itself.

D'Alton was born in Bessville, County Westmeath. He was called to the Irish Bar in 1813 and practiced law for a period, but his principal interests lay in historical research. He dedicated much of his life to researching and writing on Irish history, drawing upon a wide range of primary and secondary sources.

His major works include:

• The History of Drogheda (1844) - A detailed account of the history of the town of Drogheda.
• The History of the County of Dublin (1838) - A comprehensive history of County Dublin.
• The History of the County of Meath (1848) - A similarly detailed history of County Meath.
• Annals of Boyle (1848) - A historical account of the town and parish of Boyle in County Roscommon.
• King James's Irish Army List, 1689 (1855; 2nd ed., 1861) - A significant resource for understanding the Jacobite army in Ireland.
• Memoirs of the Archbishops of Dublin (1838) - A comprehensive historical overview of the Archbishops who presided over the Archdiocese of Dublin.

D'Alton's work is characterized by its meticulous detail and its reliance on original records. His histories are valuable resources for researchers and anyone interested in Irish history and genealogy. While some of his interpretations may reflect the historical context in which he wrote, his work remains a significant contribution to Irish historical scholarship. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.

He died in Dublin in 1867.