Clans of Ireland

Clans of Ireland (Irish: Finte na hÉireann) is an independent Irish organisation set up in 1989. It works to authenticate, represent, and co-ordinate the activities of modern Irish clans and historical families. Since 2012, it has operated under the patronage of the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.[1]

It is also recognised by the United Nations as an accredited civil society NGO, giving it authority to represent Irish clans at the UN.[2][3]

The organisation carries out research, promotes clan rallies, supports DNA studies, and keeps an official Register of Irish Clans and Historical Families. There are two categories Clans or Historical Families. To be considered, the applicant clan or family must trace its clan territory and ancestry to before 1691, which is seen as the end of the old clan-based Gaelic system in Ireland.[4][5]

In 2013, Clans of Ireland signed an agreement with the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs at Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin to mutually recognise each other’s authority over clans.[6][7][8]

References

  1. ↑ "Our Patron – Clans of Ireland". Retrieved 2025-08-31.
  2. ↑ "Support Us – Clans of Ireland". Retrieved 2025-08-31.
  3. ↑ "Clan Walker - Clan Walker". 2021-05-13. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
  4. ↑ Recognition will depend on the ability to provide evidence for the existence of a distinct historical clan identity. Register a Clan - "Clans of Ireland is an independent authority established to authenticate and maintain the Register of Irish Clans... Clans of Ireland reserves the right to decline an application if eligibility cannot be established beyond reasonable doubt. It is important to seek advice before proceeding."
  5. ↑ Registration Criteria page says the function of Clans of Ireland is to Authenticate and register Irish Clans and Historical Families They have two categories, clans and historical families - applicants must present evidence pack for pre-1691 existence in Gaelic ireland. Clans must prove lineage to a historical clan. Also see Code of Practice section: Clans of Ireland signs off on all promotional literature used by a clan.
  6. ↑ Trinity College Dublin: https://www.tcd.ie/history/assets/pdf/Chiefs_Clans.pdf
  7. ↑ "Clan Walker - About Us". clanwalker.org. 2021-05-13. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  8. ↑ "The OSullivan Clan of Munster". osullivanclan.com. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
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