MacLoughlin Family Crest beer glass - Donegal origin

Here’s a proper gift for anyone called MacLoughlin who enjoys a beer! The MacLoughlin Family Crest on a sturdy 16oz pint glass. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Sláinte!

There are two distinct MacLoughlin family crests (both on this site). This one is from Donegal and the other from Meath.

The symbolism of the MacLoughlin family crest

The MacLoughlin family crest is indexed in Burke’s General Armory by Sir Bernard Burke who was the actual Ulster King of Arms from 1853 to 1892. His publications served as the public master index of the real, physical rolls, grants, and documents relating to Irish Family Crests that were once kept inside the Office of Arms at Dublin Castle (now at National Library of Ireland). The The MacLoughlin family crest is described in Burke’s General Armory as Per fess azure and gules, in chief a lion rampant or between two swords erect argent, and in base three crescents argent—is an officially recognized historical blazon.

The gold rearing lion serves as a premier symbol of deathless courage and natural leadership, and the flanking silver swords represent justice, honor, and a constant readiness to defend the territory. Positioned below the lion, are three silver crescent moons. Traditionally a crescent signifies that the bearer has been "enlightened and honoured by the gracious aspect of their sovereign". Completing the display is the historic Irish Gaelic motto on the banner below, Cuimhnigh ar do gheallamhnacha, which translates directly to "Remember your promises."

Artist’s note. When I tried to discover why there are three crescents on this coat of arms, I found that theories varied, ranging from the existence of three branches of the clan to a nod to the Holy Trinity. However, the most likely explanation is that it was a design choice by the artist who originally drew it—possibly a clerk at the Office of Arms in Dublin under the direction of a MacLoughlin clan official. In the National Library of Ireland's registers, the heraldic entries for ancient Gaelic families like the MacLoughlins are almost always recorded as "Confirmations of Arms" rather than new "Grants." This means that when a prominent descendant approached the Ulster King of Arms—typically during the 17th or 18th century—they legally proved their specific branch had already been using the design of the lion, swords, and three silver crescents for multiple generations. Instead of inventing a new coat of arms, the King of Arms simply verified and officially stamped this pre-existing ancestral tradition into the state registry.

The origin story of the MacLoughlin name

The surname MacLaughlin associated with the Donegal coat of arms originates from the Old Irish Mac Lochlainn, meaning “son of Lochlann.” The personal name Lochlann translates literally to “land of lakes or fjords”—a geographical term the medieval Irish originally used to describe Scandinavia that later evolved into a prestigious given name within native Gaelic aristocracy. This specific sept belonged to the elite Northern Uí Néill dynasty (the Cenél nEógain branch) and anchored their ancestral power base on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, where they ruled as kings of Aileach and even produced two High Kings of Ireland during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. It was the prominent later descendants of this northern warrior lineage who ultimately registered and confirmed the historic shield featuring the gold lion, dual swords, and three silver crescents.

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 and uniquely personal gifts for any occasion with family and friends.

Product details
• Glass material
• Volume: 16 oz (473 ml)
• Not dishwasher or microwave recommended – hand wash only.

Size guide