Unlike English and Scottish heraldry where a coat of arms is strictly hereditary within a single family, Irish coats of arms were usually regarded as the property of the sept (the tribal grouping) and hence continue to be used by those who bear the same surname.

In the absence of concrete documentary evidence of our very early Irish family, the family coat of arms has come to represent our link with our early Irish ancestry and extended family. Composed of elements that represent the history and achievements of the family, the coat of arms is seen as an expression of our national and family identity. There are many surnames for which no coat of arms was ever granted. It is also possible that there are surnames for which there are two or more coats of arms available.

Irish Heraldic Charges

There are literally hundreds of different symbols (or charges) that can appear on coats of arms. The colors that are chosen and even the shape of the shield itself can have significance for the Family, Clan or Sept that was to bear the arms.

The explanations below are offered as the general interpretation of what this symbolism signifies. It is true though, that an individual coat of arms may have a history to it that far exceeds the meanings given here and that further investigation may be necessary.

Nevertheless, the art of heraldry has broadly assigned significance to the symbols and they are shown below. Where particular significance relating to a heraldic charge in an Irish context is available then a specific note is made. Examples of the charges on Irish coats of arms are shown where possible.

Irish Heraldic Colours