Irish Family Crest and Coat of Arms Gifts

Gifts of Ireland are heraldry suppliers for the Clare and Mayo GAA teams as well as Irish Travel Companies

irish coat of arms
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THE IRISH ANCESTRY BOX

The ultimate celebration of your Irish roots! A box of Clan
goodies for your home!

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The Meaning of Family Heraldry

There is something very special about being able to place yourself in a lineage bearing your Irish last name. There is a sense of pride that comes with knowing that your ancestors were brave and skilled, no matter their rank. This awe-inspiring fact makes it an honor to have one's surname and crest proudly displayed in the home. 

An Irish coat of arms has a number of elements: the crest is a figure or symbol at the top of the helmet and are usually an animal or mythical creature. The helmet is below the crest, atop the shield. Fun fact: how the helmet is positioned signifies the rank of the initial bearer.  For example, a helmet facing forward with the visor opened means a knight, while a helmet facing side-ways with the visor closed is for a gentleman. If a family had a war-cry associated with them, this would come to be their motto. If a motto exists, it is written in a ribbon below or above the shield.

irish family shield plaque

Irish Family Crest Plaques

The heraldic shield is where the Irish coat of arms is placed and is the focal point of the heraldic display. A shield was used in reference to the protective shields used in battle, where the coat of arms would be displayed. The shape of the shield was normally left to the heraldic artist to decide, meaning that many different shapes have been used during different periods and in different parts of Europe. No two heraldic shields are the same, giving a sense of meaning and belonging to each family's name.

It is a very touching Irish wedding gift to give a shields coat of arms plaque with both the bride and groom's individual family shields, commemorating the union of these families and the proud ancestry they are bringing together. It can also be to celebrate the friendship of two families or anniversaries.

Our maker has been crafting these heraldry shields in Dublin for the past 50 years. When we take your order, you can be assured that we will get to work on the making process and keep you updated.

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Personalized Mugs, Whiskey Glasses, and More

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irish coat of arms

Parchments and Prints

Researched and designed here by Aidan and the team at Gifts of Ireland, we take great care to research and accurately represent your name

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Frequently Asked Questions About Family Crests