Welcome / Fáilte
Fáilte roimh Finte na hÉireann ~ Welcome to Clans of Ireland
Clans of Ireland ~ Finte na hÉireann is an independent permanent authority established in 1989 to register Irish clans and historical families. This occurred as a result of the resurgence of interest in Irish heritage, which led to the revival of many ancient Irish clans and the recognition of the cultural value of many Irish historical families.
There is an open invitation policy to those interested in Irish Clans to contact us with a view to reviving their Irish Clan and its identity. Recognition will depend on the ability of applicants to provide evidence of the existence of a distinct historical clan or family identity within a geographic area. The Register of Clans of Ireland includes families of Irish-Gaelic, Norse, Anglo-Norman, Scots and Gallowglass origins, just to name a few.
Clans of Ireland, which has as its Patron, Michael D. Higgins, the President of Ireland, maintains a strong and positive relationship with the Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains who represent the hereditary Chiefs, in addition to other pillars of Irish culture.
One of the advantages of Clans of Ireland membership is access to our Annual Cultural Summit. This includes lectures, historical tours and attendance at the Annual Dinner. The lectures are presented by some of the highest profile speakers on wide ranging subjects including Irish history, genealogy, heraldry and archaeology.
Other features of membership include:
- the ability to propose candidates whose outstanding contributions to clan or Irish culture may warrant consideration as Companions of the Clans of Ireland Order of Merit,
- support of historical academic research, and
- access to veteran clan convenors who willingly share their experience.
We hope that you enjoy our website and help support the Clans of Ireland ~ Finte na hÉireann by either becoming a member or providing a financial donation to ensure that our work to promote Ireland’s Clans and Historical Families can continue into the future.
Go raibh maith agat as do spéis! Thank you for your interest!
Finte na hÉireann ~ Clans of Ireland
What is a Clan?
Clans of Ireland (Finte na hÉireann) was established to:
- Authenticate and register Irish Clans and Historical Families
- Promote the interests of Irish Clans and Historical Families
- Provide guidance related to Irish Clans and Historical Families
Finte na hÉireann ~ Clans of Ireland is an independent authority established to authenticate and maintain the Register of Irish Clans. An Irish Clan or historical family may be admitted to the Register of Clans if the surname is authoritatively documented in Ireland prior to 1691, the date that is considered to mark the end of the clan-based lineage system in Irish society.
Register of Clans
The Register of Clans and historic families provides details of clans currently registered and verified by Clans of Ireland. To contact member clans directly, please use the information provided on the register.
If you are considering establishing a clan or family name association / society and wish to be considered for inclusion on the Register, you can apply online HERE
Clans and historic families not included on the Register of Clans have either not yet registered or have not renewed their membership for the current year. If you would like further information on establishing an Irish clan or historic family association / society or have a renewal enquiry, please send an email to post@clansofireland.ie
Former President of Ireland and Patron of Finte na hÉireann
Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering patronage and support of former President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.
His patronage has provided a constant source of encouragement to the leaders of our member organisations, the accredited clans and historic families of Ireland.
His deep academic knowledge of cultural matters and identity has been inspirational to the many thousands of people who constitute the member organisations that are collectively Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann.
His influence, as our former Patron, will continue to inspire those who live in Ireland and those who are members of the Irish diaspora. His passion for Irish culture will be his enduring legacy.
