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« on: Tuesday 02 December 08 19:56 GMT (UK) »
The root name - O'Donoghue originated in Cork and Kerry, which is where you will still find most of them (Ross castle in Killarney is still the home of the O'Donoghues, and there is even a place in Kerry called Ballydonoghue!). You will find Donoghues (however you spell it!) in Tipperary for sure - I'm trying to track some down myself!
Also, in case you don't know, don't get too caught up on the spelling of the name. I've seen my family name spelt a number of ways - Donoghue/O'Donoghue/Donohue etc. Best thing to look for is unique forenames and relevant places, as the spelling of the surname could just be down to misunderstanding accents, illiteracy, or the official not being bothered to find out how to spell the name!
eg.
'Is that how ye spell ye name?'
'sure, tis grand'.
It's driving me up the wall!