He worked for antiquarian James Hardiman researching state papers and traditional sources at the Public Records Office.

Following the death of Edward O'Reilly in August 1830, he was recruited to the Topographical Department of the first Ordnance Survey of Ireland under George Petrie in October 1830.

[5][failed verification] On the recommendation of Jacob Grimm, he was elected a corresponding member of the Royal Academy of Prussia in 1856.

Never in great health, he died shortly after midnight on 10 December 1861 at his residence, 36 Upper Buckingham Street, Dublin.

He married Mary Anne Broughton, sister-in-law of Eugene O'Curry and was the father of nine children (all but one of whom died without issue).