A few recent happenings in Ancestry's Irish collection:
The three Civil Registration Indexes – Births 1864–1958, Marriages 1845–1958, and Deaths 1864–1958 have been updated. Ancestry hasn't provided an explanation for what was involved in the updates.
This lack of information is somewhat improved for an update to the site's Belfast Newsletter (Birth, Marriage and Death Notices), 1738-1925 collection. Previously, this database could be accessed only via a 'browse' facility. Thanks to one of Ancestry's World Archive Projects, the birth, marriage and death notices are being indexed and the first tranche of records from the project is now searchable (free). They date from 1828 to 1858.
Notices from additional years will be indexed and added to this collection at a later date.
Ancestry's World Archive Projects team also started keying Ireland's Police Gazette, 1863-1893, two weeks ago. The twice-weekly publication, which was also known as the Hue and Cry, includes details of individuals who were either accused of committing a crime, or victims of crimes committed in Ireland.
It's moving along at quite a pace, with 41% of the keying already carried out by volunteers. Following quality control stages, this database will create an interesting new collection. It'll be free, too.