Who and What are the 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, I sat down with three passionate members of Clans of Ireland — Michael O’Crowley (Cathaoirleach), Luke McInerney (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.

In this interview, Michael, Luke, and Seán walk us through the mission of Clans of Ireland, the incredible events they host, how you can join an existing clan society or even establish a brand new one, and what a real clan gathering actually looks and feels like.

If you’ve ever felt that pull towards your Irish roots, this is the conversation for you!

Whether you’re a seasoned genealogy enthusiast or just beginning to explore your Irish ancestry, Clans of Ireland offers a wonderful community and a wealth of resources to help you connect with your heritage.

Clans of Ireland – 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒 𝑛𝑎 ℎ𝐸́𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑛 is an Irish charity (Charity Reg. No. 20032111). Established in 1989 to authenticate, register, and represent the interests of Irish Clans and encourage the development of clan organisations and historical research.