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.