Cleary Family Crest Parchment

Cleary 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 Cleary Irish surname. The Cleary 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 Cleary Coat Of Arms Story

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

This sept is descended from Guaire the hospitable, a King of Connaught, and takes its name from Cleirach, a chieftain born around 820 A.D, whose name meant cleric or clerk. As this name became permanent in the middle of the tenth century. It can be regarded as one of the earliest of hereditary Irish surnames. Originally located in the Barren, Stody land around Kilmacduagh in Galway, the sept had been forced to settle elsewhere by the thirteenth century when its power had considerably diminished. One group established itself in Donegal and Derry, and became antiquaries and poets; when Ulster was subsequently taken over by the English, their name was often changed to Clarke. Another, branch of the O’ Clerys settled in the counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford; It is bere that a great number are still found today. Outstanding among the numerous O’ Clerys with literary talents were two seventeenth century brothers, Michael and Conary, sons of the historian and chief of the sept. Lug Haigh O’ Clery who, together with their cousin, Cucoigchriche and Fearfasa O’ Mulconry, compiled the ‘Annals of the four masters’ which have been called ‘the most important single contribution to Irish history'. Two daughters of merchant named Clery in Marseilles, became acquainted with the dashing young napoleon Bonaparte before his meteoric rise to power. Julie married his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, and became Queen of Spain in 1808, and her sister, Désirée, was crowned Queen of Sweden in 1829. The prefix O’ disappeared in the period of Gaelic suppression and, as with other names. It has in general not been revived. During the passing of time, the name has become changed in spelling; the many variations including O’ Clery, Clery and Cleary.

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.