Irish Clans

Laying down deep roots in the soil of the Emerald Isle after arriving as twelfth century invaders, bearers of the Barry name readily adapted to and adopted the native culture – identifying themselves throughout succeeding centuries with...

As the original Gaelic-Irish clan of Ó Baoighill, Boyles have been a presence in Ireland from the earliest times. • Further influxes of Boyles came in later centuries in the form of ambitious Anglo-Norman adventurers, while a further strain...

Tracing a descent from the earliest Irish kings and of the same ancient bloodline as one of the island’s greatest heroes, the Bradys performed a significant role on the stage of Ireland’s history. • They furnished not only poets and...

Claimants to a truly illustrious heritage, the thousands of Brennans scattered across the globe today have strong and sturdy roots in the ancient soil of Ireland. • Their history thrills to the tune of legend, myth and magic, while their ancestors...

Although they arrived as invaders and adventurers, the Burkes came to adopt the ancient Irish way of life as they amassed rich territories and acquired high honours. • Contributing significantly to the rich tapestry that is Ireland's story, they...

As one of the ancient Irish clans, the Byrnes and their namesakes the O’Byrnes have stamped an indelible mark on the pages of the nation’s history. • Descended from the High Kings of Ireland, their ancestors also include doughty warriors...

Maintaining an often-precarious existence in Ireland since earliest times, the Callaghans were at the forefront of the bitter and bloody resistance to invaders from across the seas. • As a truly native Irish clan, their pedigree was illustrious,...

A family with aristocratic roots embedded deep in the ancient soil of Ireland, the Carrolls were for centuries at the forefront of key events in the rich and bloodied tapestry of the nation's history. • Proud defenders of their heritage and beliefs...

Known originally as the Ó Cathasaigh, or O’Casey, the Caseys of today can lay claim to a glorious pedigree that reaches back through time to the ancient warrior kings of Ireland. • From the bloody field of battle to the creative world...

Celebrated for their contribution to Irish literature, Celtic medical lore and the religious life of the island, bearers of the name of Cassidy flourished for centuries in the ancient province of Ulster. • As hereditary physicians to the Maguire...

‘Fidelity and fortitude’ is the proud motto of bearers of the Clancy name, and these were qualities they displayed to the full as they stamped their mark on Ireland's history down through the centuries. • Many were exiled to foreign...

Two of the sources for the proud name of Collins in Ireland stretch back to the heroic age of Celtic myth and legend, but no less colourful and poignant are the lives and times of bearers of the name in much later ages. • From the bloody field of...

The Connollys have stamped an indelible mark on the saga of Ireland's bitter and bloody struggle for freedom and independence, from as early as the eleventh century up to the early years of the twentieth. • One of the ancient native Irish clans,...

Ulster, which along with Leinster, Munster and Connacht is one of Ireland's four ancient provinces, is the original homeland of the Coyles, whose name derives from that of a celebrated sixth century saint. • In contemporary times and in the creative...

Renowned for centuries as poets, scholars and guardians of ancient Celtic tradition, bearers of the Daly name are also of truly royal race. • Their main territory was near the Hill of Tara, sacred heart of the Emerald Isle, while other branches of...

Proud of a descent from one of Ireland's greatest warrior kings, the Devlins were at the forefront for centuries in the island's struggle for freedom and independence. • This often came at great cost to themselves not only in the form of death on...

Possessors of one of the most ancient hereditary surnames in Europe, the Dohertys of today can lay claim to a proud descent from no less a heroic figure than the fifth century Irish warrior king Niall of the Nine Hostages. • From their ancient...

With a history that resonates to the harp strings of thrilling Celtic myth and legend and the clash of battle, the Donnellys of today are claimants to a truly ancient Irish heritage. • It is a heritage that involves both great fortune and ultimate...

Tracing a descent from the earliest monarchs of the Emerald Isle, bearers of the Donovan name today can boast a truly illustrious pedigree. • Their tale is shot through with noble acts of valour and dark deeds of treachery, while they struggled for...

When not on the battlefield in defence of their ancient rights and privileges, the Dorans performed the highly honoured and important function of acting as hereditary lawmakers and judges. • Their colourful history is inextricably bound to that of...