McSweeney Family Crest Parchment

McSweeney Family Crest

Created by Edmond McGrath (RIP) in the 1970s, these Irish prints were rediscovered in 2020 after 40 years in safe storage. Beautifully arranged in this Irish coat of arms parchment is an artistic celebration of the McSweeney Irish surname. The McSweeney family crest is illustrated at the center and surrounded by famous Celtic symbols of Ireland. These illustrations are a wonderful dedication to Irish last names.

Imagine having this beautiful story of your name hanging on your living room wall for all to study over a glass of wine, or to take a glimpse at it when having your Barry's tea on the couch. There is so much to take in. This parchment is an heirloom for many generations yet to come. It's a wonderful reminder of your Irish heritage.

On your living room wall, you will always be reminded of your Irish origins and it will be a show stopper for visiting friends and family. Presenting a family coat of arms gift is a truly special gift for the home for someone special who has that unique Irish connection.

On this parchment, the Killarney lakes take center stage above the heraldic shield whilst many Irish Celtic symbols and famous monuments surround it.

Illustrated in this parchment are:

• Book of Kells inspired artwork
• St.Patrick
• The Cross of Cong
• The Ardagh Chalice
• Killarney Lakes
• The Irish Harp
• The Currachs of the West of Ireland
• Glendalough Monastery
• Blarney Castle
• Traditional thatched houses of Ireland
• Ahenny Cross
• Cross of Muiredach
• The Burgh O’Malley Chalice
• The crests of the four provinces of Ireland: Ulster, Connaught, Leinster, Munster
• The Tara Brooch
• The Celtic Torc 

The McSweeney Coat Of Arms Story

Read the intriguing transcription of the text illustrated on the McSweeney family history parchment:

The name in Irish is Mac Suibhne and the ancestor from whom the name is taken was Suibhne O'Neill a Chieftain in Argle, Scotland. It is not until 1267 that they occur in the 'Annals of Connaught' with the recording of the death of Murrough McSweeney, grandson of Suidhne. By the fourteenth century they had established themselves as these great septs or clans in Tirconnell, Donegal. These were McSweeney Fahad, McSweeney Banagn and McSweeney na dTuath. Na dTuath literally means 'of the disctricts' but the latter group were commonly known as McSweeney of the Battleaxes. Murrough McSweeney was the first of the renowned McSweeney gallowglasses whose standard weapon was the great scandinavian axe. This word 'galloglaigh', meaning foreign soldiers, is used to describe the mercenary troops who were imported at the time, frequently from Scotland, to provide the permanent fighting forces maintained by powerful Irish chiefs. Often from the hebrides and of mixed Gaelic and Norse descent, their fighting skills made them the backbone of every Irish Army from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century. In 1500 a branch of the McSweeney Fahad migrated to Munster where they followed their occupation under the McCathys in Muskerry. The name is in fact more frequently found in Cork and Kerry than it is in Ulster. Predictably, many McSweeney figured in Irish military history, not least in the times when many of them had to seek service with continental forces. When James II's Army was fighting in Irelan there were eleven called McSweeney with Nim.

Choose your option:

Framed large Print: 18" x 24". Displays the crest, family history and Ireland illustration.

Framed Small Print: 8" x 12". Comes in a black frame. Displays the crest and family history.

Print Only: 18" x 24" large size, or, 8" x 12" small size.

Unlimited Print Download: An ideal option if you would like your extended family to each have one. If you choose to order this, you will be sent the link to download the high quality PDF afterwards and start sharing with all the family! Find a good printer with nice thick paper and it will look lovely. Note: there is no shipping charge at checkout for digital download.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Irish Prints

I purchased a digital download but I didn't receive anything

Once you purchase it, we will email you the high resolution print file within the day. We advise that you use thicker paper or parchment paper to get the best quality results.

Do you sell heraldic shields?

Yes we do. Check out our full range of shields for families here. You can also contact us with any queries and Aidan will be happy to advise you.

My family name is not in your collection. Can you make one for me?

Currently, we have 180 most common Irish names in stock. We do plan to expand our range so please let us know what name you would like.