LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS & CONVERSATIONS
We are pleased to present lectures from leading academics in the field of Irish history and Gaelic heritage and culture and our online presentation series where we invite member clans to participate and learn from a range of experts on relevant topics. Included on this page is also our ‘In Conversation Series’ discussions, where we relax in the manner of a fireside chat and explore more deeply the knowledge and expertise built over many years of research by our special guest speakers and friends, contributing to greater and wider understanding of the cultural significance of the accredited Irish clans and historic families of Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann.
ONLINE PRESENTATIONS
April 2026
Galloglas and Kern – A fireside chat with Dave Swift, Claíomh and Seán McGrath, Finte na hÉireann.
Dave Swift a leading expert on medieval Gaelic military arms, armour and traditional dress of the late middle ages talks with Seán McGrath from Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann following Dave’s earlier presentation on the arms and armour of the Gaelic period warrior class.
Dave expands on his earlier presentation (see our lecture series below) on the history of both Galloglass and Kern and answers audience questions about 15th-17th century warfare, weaponry and the changing society that these warriors operated in.
This video was recorded at the Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Cultural Summit held on 11 April 2026 at the Stephen’s Green Club, Dublin, Ireland. The Summit is an annual public event that invites experts on Irish History and Culture to present aspects of their research and findings. Video production credit: @shaneoceallaigh4495
April 2026
In conversation with David C. Mac Donagh, winner of the Irish Chiefs and Clans Essay Competition with his work ‘Would the Real Síl Muiredeag Please Stand Up’.
During the 2026 Cultural Summit, David C. Mac Donagh received his prize as winner of the annual Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains / Clans of Ireland Essay Competition.
In this conversation, Luke McInerney, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann introduces David who explores how Y-DNA has expanded opportunities to explore the lineages of Irish clans and his independent Y-DNA research through the Genelach Dáil Cuinn Project, the outcomes of that research that led to his essay, ‘Would The Real Síl Muiredeag Please Stand Up’ and the next steps in continuing work. diaspora.
April 2026
Who and what are Clans of Ireland? Keeping the flame of Irish heritage alive.
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to belong to an Irish clan? In this fascinating conversation, the Brehon Academy sat down with three passionate members of Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann — Michael O’Crowley (Cathaoirleach), Luke Mc Inerney (Leas-Cathaoirleach), and board member Seán McGrath — to find out what this remarkable organisation is all about and why its work matters now more than ever. Clans of Ireland is the all-island umbrella body representing Irish clan societies, dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and promoting Ireland’s rich clan heritage.
From organising vibrant clan gatherings to supporting genealogical research and scholarship, Clans of Ireland is a living, breathing connection to centuries of Irish history — and it’s open to everyone with a love of Ireland and its traditions, whether you’re based on the island itself or part of the global Irish diaspora.
February 2026
The Learned Lineages of Medieval Ireland: With Luke McInerney
Plunge into the shadowed annals of medieval Gaelic Ireland in this riveting interview with 𝗟𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝗠𝗰𝗜𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆, an independent researcher and historian whose voracious scholarship has illuminated the intricate tapestries of clans, clerics, and the 𝘈𝘰𝘴 𝘋𝘢́𝘯𝘢—the learned caste of poets, brehons, and scholars who wove the soul of 𝘌́𝘪𝘳𝘦.
Luke, vice-chair of Clans of Ireland (𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘯𝘢 𝘩𝘌́𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘯), unravels the hereditary threads binding noble lineages like the 𝘜𝘪́ 𝘉𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯 𝘎𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢́𝘪𝘯, and 𝘖́ 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘪𝘣𝘩 to the medieval Church and the land. Drawing on papal registers, bardic odes, and forgotten manuscripts in Latin, Irish, and English—many unearthed and transcribed by his own hand—he dissects the economic sinews of Gaelic lordships, the fortified towerhouses guarding 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴 (ancestral lore), and the resilient clerical dynasties that defied reform to preserve cultural sovereignty. Ideal for devotees of Irish antiquities, clan seekers, or those enchanted by the bards of the Burren, this discourse is a clarion call to honour the ghosts of Gaelic grandeur!
February 2026
Clan Gatherings – Best Practice
For the first of our online conference meetings of 2026, registered clans of Clans of Ireland were invited to share in expert knowledge of organising and delivering successful clan gatherings. We were joined by four eminent speakers who have been leaders in their respective clan organisations, sharing innovative approaches:
Kieran O’Dowd of Clan O’Dowd, Shane O’Dea of Clan O’Dea, Dr. Joe Mannion of Clan Mannion and Amb. Frank O’Donnell of Clan O’Donnell
In this conference we heard a range of approaches including accessing heritage funding, incorporating parades and other ceremonial elements, preservation of monuments and partnerships with local bodies and authorities.
LECTURE SERIES
Cultural Summit 2026
Dave Swift from Claíomh – Gaelic Arms and Armour and Military Dress from the Middle Ages
Dave Swift has a background in field archaeology and is the founder of Claíomh, Irish living history and mobile museum. In addition to research work, he variously works as an historic advisor, armourer / wardrobe supplier, museum facilitator and educator, heritage panelist in schools, and a leather craft workshop tutor.
Dave’s interests include 16th century Ireland, late medieval Irish and West Highland effigies, galloglas / gallóglaigh and native Irish arms and armour, pigments and binders and Ireland’s viking age. Dave holds a MSc in experimental archaeology and is a Failte Ireland national tour guide.
Dave’s wider historic interest include 1916 Easter Week and the War of Independence, WW1 trench warfare and renaissance arts.
Cultural Summit 2024
Risteárd Ua Cróinín – Archaeologist and Conservation Officer (Rt’d)
The Restoration of Historic Buildings with Practical Actions and Common Sense
A presentation by Risteárd Ua Cróinín, Archaeologist and Conservation Officer (Clare County Council ret.) of case studies and techniques in historic preservation. This lecture focuses on the Dysert O’Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre – Caisleán Uí Dheá near Corofin, County Clare with which Mr Cróinín was involved during the 1980s. The castle website is https://dysertcastle.ie/
Cultural Summit 2024
Dr. Joe Mannion
Part 1, Anglicizing Tudor Connacht, The expansion of English rule in the lordships of Clanrickard and Hy Many
Preview and presentation of Dr. Mannion’s acclaimed book “Anglicizing Tudor Connacht, The expansion of English rule in the lordships of Clanrickard and Hy Many” Dr Joseph Mannion is Chairperson of The Mannion Clan Association and an Historian. Dr. Mannion is also the former Chair / Cathaoirleach of Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann. The book is available through Four Courts Press and in bookshops. https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/…
Cultural Summit 2024
Dr. Joe Mannion
Part 2, Q&A Session – Anglicizing Tudor Connacht, The expansion of English rule in the lordships of Clanrickard and Hy Many
Cultural Summit 2024
Dr. Rachel Moss, TCD
Building Gaelic Ireland in the Late Middle Ages
Cultural Summit 2023
Malissa Shiels
No Mean Diplomat
Cultural Summit 2023
Dr. Simon Egan
Kerns, Galloglass and Caterans
Cultural Summit 2023
Dr. James O’Neill
A Miserable and Beggarly War
IN CONVERSATION SERIES
Cultural Summit 2024
Risteárd Ua Cróinín in conversation with Luke McInerney (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann
The Conservation of Historic Buildings – Case Studies and Techniques.
In this discussion Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Board member Luke McInerney explores the challenges and opportunities in conserving and restoring historic properties with renowned Archaeologist and Conservation Officer (Clare County Council ret.) Risteárd Ua Cróinín.
This discussion looks at case studies and techniques in historic preservation. Particular focus is given to the Dysert O’Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre – Caisleán Uí Dheá near Corofin County Clare with which Mr Cróinín was involved.
Cultural Summit 2024
Dr. Rachel Moss in conversation with Luke McInerney (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann
Building Gaelic Ireland in the Late Middle Ages
In this discussion Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Board member Luke McInerney explores deeply the themes of Dr. Moss’s lecture including the social differences amongst the Gaelic ruling elite.
Rachel Moss is an Irish art historian and professor specialising in medieval art, with a particular interest in Insular art, medieval Irish Gospel books and monastic history. She is the current head of the Department of the History of Art at Trinity College Dublin, where she became a fellow in 2022. Moss has written extensively on the sources and iconography of medieval Irish art, its materials, methods and political and cultural settings.
October 2023
John Minahane in conversation with Luke McInerney (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann
The Irish Tradition
In this discussion Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Board member Luke McInerney is joined by writer and translator John Minahane.
Minahane gives a wide ranging overview of the what has been termed ‘the Irish tradition’. The conversation encompasses the cultural and literary achievements of the Irish since the 6th century. The assimilation of Latin learning of the church, introduced to Ireland in the 5th century, along with the native Irish tradition is discussed, especially in relation to the relationship between poets and churchmen. The activities of the learned class in Ireland is discussed (poets – the filidh; the historians – seanchaidhthe) and how the art of poetry and its practitioners changed over the course of the medieval period.
Cultural Summit 2023
Mike Fitzpatrick in conversation with Michael O’Crowley (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann
The transformation of a surname association into multiple clan organisations
In this discussion Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Board member Michael O’Crowley is joined by Mike Fitzpatrick to discuss the move from a surname association into territorially distinctive multiple Irish clan organisation.
The discussion includes an examination of the methods used to conduct historical and genealogical research to identify where a name originates and how the name is associated with a particular territory.
November 2021
Part 1 – Launch of the Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann and Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains Anthology
Luke McInerney (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann) in conversation with Anthology contributors
Friday 19th November 2021 saw the launch of the anthology entitled, ”Gaelic Ireland (c.600-c.1700) Lordship, saints and learning”, (Wordwell Books), editors Luke McInerney and Dr Katharine Simms. The launch was hosted by the Clans of Ireland Cathaoirleach, Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh, and Luke McInerney, Vice-Chair of the Clans of Ireland. This opening video (Part One) features addresses by these Board Members, and an excellent fireside discussion with some of the anthology contributors. The anthology is available to order here: https://wordwellbooks.com/Clans
November 2021
Part 2 – Launch of the Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann and Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains Anthology
Aspects of Gaelic castles and tower houses in late-medieval Ireland by Martin Breen
Part Two of the launch of the anthology ”Gaelic Ireland (c.600-c.1700) Lordship, saints and learning” (Wordwell Books), editors Luke McInerney and Dr Katharine Simms. The launch took place on Friday 19th December 2021 and was hosted by Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh, Chair of the Clans of Ireland, and Luke McInerney, Vice-Chair of the Clans of Ireland. The anthology is available to order here: https://wordwellbooks.com/Clans