The Clans of Ireland

The following is from the Clans of Ireland website.

It is an enormous honour for Clans of Ireland and the many Clans we represent that the President of Ireland has agreed to be our Patron.  

Irish culture and heritage have always been close to the President’s heart. He was Ireland’s first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht and now as President of Ireland he continues to be a champion of creativity in Irish society.  

We are very grateful to President Higgins for the support and encouragement he gives to Clans of Ireland and our work with Irish Clans.

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. 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, Norse, Anglo- Norman, Scots, Gallowglass, Huguenot, and Quaker origins.  

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.