Carthy Family Crest Rocks Glass

The Carthy Family Crest on a classic rocks glass. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal. 

Nicely suited for the moments that call for a proper toast. Whether it’s a gift for a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.

Origin of the name Carthy

The surname Carthy is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Cárthaigh, meaning "son of Carthach." The family lineage traces back to Carthach, an 11th-century Prince of Eóganacht Chaisil and King of Cashel. Facing challenges from the expanding O’Briens in Tipperary, the dynasty strategically relocated south to establish the Kingdom of Desmond, covering much of present-day Cork and Kerry.

As the surname became hereditary, the family branched into influential septs, including the McCarthy Mór (The Great McCarthy) and the McCarthy of Muskerry. Over time, English spelling and pronunciation shaped the surname into variants like MacCarthy, McCarthy, and the abbreviated Carthy.

The symbolism of the Carthy Family Crest

The McCarthy coat of arms is a powerful visual legacy of the ruling dynasty of Desmond and its ancient Irish noble heritage. The red stag on the shield symbolizes natural nobility, vitality, and a profound ancestral connection to the land of Munster. In heraldic tradition, the color red (gules) represents warrior courage, magnanimity, and the steadfast defense of the family’s sovereignty.

Above the shield, the crest depicts a hand holding a lizard, which in heraldry signifies extreme vigilance, swift action, and decisive power to overcome elusive or untrustworthy foes. This martial spirit is embodied in the motto, Fortis, Ferox et Celer, translating to "Strong, Fierce, and Swift." It honors the early chiefs' reputation and their centuries-long resilience against Norman and English expansion.

The absolute earliest records of the McCarthy stag don’t actually come from Ireland, but from mainland Europe, where traveling heralds documented the arms of global rulers:

• The Wijnbergen Roll (c. 1280): This famous French roll of arms is one of the earliest to attempt to map out Irish rulers, linking the stag imagery heavily to the Munster region.

• The Uffenbach Roll (c. 1440): This German heraldic manuscript explicitly depicts a stag on a shield to represent the regional kingdom ruled by the McCarthys.

Notable historical figures

Cormac Mac Cárthaigh was the first Great King of Desmond and a significant patron of the church and arts, noted for commissioning Cormac’s Chapel on the Rock of Cashel. Fineen Mac Cárthaigh, also known as Finghin of Ringrone, earned lasting renown by defeating the Normans at the Battle of Callann in 1261. Cormac Laidir Mac Cárthaigh, Lord of Muskerry, is closely associated with Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone legend. The Blessed Thaddeus Mac Cárthaigh, known as the “White Martyr of Munster,” underscores the family’s enduring spiritual legacy.

Product details

• Classic rocks glass with family crest print
• Volume: 10.5 oz. (311 ml)

• Height: 3.4″ (8.64 cm)

• Diameter: 3.2″ (8.13 cm)
  

To preserve the print quality on this glass washing by hand is recommended, as high heat from the dishwasher or microwave may damage the design over time.

No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order.

This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.

About the artist

Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family celebrations.

Don’t see your family name?

I’m always happy to add new crests to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️