O'Brien Family Crest Parchment

O'Brien 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 O'Brien Irish surname. The O'Brien 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 O'Brien Coat Of Arms Story

Read the intriguing transcription of the text illustrated on the O'Brien family history parchment:

This ancient family must number among the greatest & most influential in all Ireland. Its roots were in the earliest times when it was a comparatively important sept known as Ui Tairdealbhaigh in the territory of Thomond. Its pre-eminence was established by Brian Boru born in 941, who was chief of the clan, & became an outstanding Ard-ri or high king of all Ireland. He is most renowned for driving the Vikings out of Ireland & re-establishing the communications, administration & culture which had been destroyed by the Norse fury. He was also responsible for the introduction of compulsory family surnames-so his descendants took their name from him.  The mainline survived in the peerage as Earls & Marquises of Thomond, Barons & Earls of lnchiqui  & Viscounts Clare- a survival which always required astute policies & willingness to adapt to new circumstances.  Murrough O’Brien, realising resistance was useless, was one of the first Gaelic chiefs to recognise Henry VIII’s overlordship. His namesake in the next century lived during the difficult Cromwellian times & changed sides frequently, earning himself the dubious title 'Murrough of the Burnings.’ The third Viscount Clare, Daniel O'Brien, who died in 1690, raised the famous Irish Brigade, nicknamed Clare’s Dragoons, which was later commanded on the continent by hisson Charles.  There are many illustrious O’Briens throughout history. The most Reverend Terence Albert O’Brien was hanged after the siege of Limerick in 1641; FrezjamesO'Brien, an Irish author, was killed fighting in the American Civil war. Jeremiah O’Briens struck the first blow for American liberty against the British in Machias harbour, Maine. The vessels he captured formed the nucleus of the Massachussetts navy and a torpedo boat was named after him in 1900.

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.