Our project results may eventually provide hints for McQuaids/ McQuades/ McQuates/ Quaids/ Quades searching for clues about their geographical roots.

According to Irishorigenes (www.irishorigenes.com),
The McQuaid form of the surname is most common in Counties Monaghan, Tyrone, and Fermanagh.  The Quaid form is most common in Country Limerick.
There are also Quaids in County Wexford; this Quaid is a variation of the surname "Wade".