The organization aims to build lasting links between the Irish diaspora and the civil parishes in Ireland.

Utilizing these records through a network of volunteer-based groups, Ireland Reaching Out assists Irish descendants in rediscovering their family history.

"[7] In 2015, Ireland Reaching Out partnered with Google to begin mapping Irish houses so people could see who had lived there in the past.

[4] On 14 March 2012, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the organization launched the national "reverse genealogy" program.

[11][12] In September 2015, "Epic Journeys Ellis Island", an online exhibition, was launched in Tulla, County Clare, Ireland.

The organization is mainly funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, through its Emigrant Support Programme, and the Heritage Council.