Firstly, apology for my delayed response, I have been away from my home for past week ...
In regard to DNA comment was not really suggesting that common QUIRK link would be on the IOM, more likely to be in Cork or Munster from where most of the research seems to consider the name derived BUT and more importantly ....
I have not had the opportunity to consider previously the suggestion you made re location and farm position of numerous "quirks" on the Isle and your suggestion fits perfectly into current thinking on common source ancestry/surname studies.
Thank you for response.
If possible and your interest is raised have a look from Library at DNA and FAMILY HISTORY ... Chris Pomery author and/or www.DNA and Family History.com
Common ancestor surname groups most likely to settle and stay settled in localities and establish themselves in manner similar to ancestor.
Most likely scenario with "quirks" and the IOM is that a or a small number of quirk males with or without families left Ireland in second half of first millenium and were well settled in manner to which they had been accustomed by mid first half of second millenium.
Simple Y chromosone DNA tests of common surname groups, especially in common localities such as IOM could/SHOULD show common ancestor and locate how many ancestors BACK was the link.
QUIRK family males and other similar family groups on the IOM make perfect subject material for latest thinking of DNA and family distribution.
Are you a 'Quirk' too ? or was it just the subject that raised your interest .... would love to see your suggested indicators of quirk homes, I found great difficulty in tracing residences, except for Knockoloe, used by my forebears during our visit in 2007.