The O'Leary Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name O'Leary
O'Leary is a legendary royal Gaelic Irish clan surname derived from Ó Laoghaire (meaning "calf-herd" or "descendant of Laoghaire," an ancient High King of Ireland). Centered in Uí Laoghaire (Inchigeelagh) along the River Lee in West Cork, the sept were hereditary lords of Muskerry under the MacCarthy Reagh dynasty. Defending their ancestral mountain strongholds for over a millennium, the family produced famous military commanders, hussars, and Gaelic poets.
The symbolism of the O'Leary coat of arms
Rich in maritime and royal Gaelic lore, the O'Leary coat of arms features an argent / silver or white shield charged with an ancient lymphad galley with oars in action, set above a central red lion resting (couchant/passant). In Irish heraldry, the silver field symbolises sincerity and peace, while the lymphad galley represents maritime skill, ocean lordship, and coastal defense along the waterways of Munster. The red lion denotes ancient royal Gaelic lineage and heroic bravery in defense of Cork territories. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays an arm in steel armor holding a silver sword erect, symbolising knightly readiness and unyielding justice. Below, the motto scroll displays Láidir is é lear rígh, translating from Irish Gaelic to "Strong is the king of the sea." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was registered in the Ulster Office of Arms and catalogued in Burke's Landed Gentry of Ireland.
Historical figures
Art Ó Laoghaire (1746–1773): Famed Austro-Hungarian hussar officer commemorated in the classic Gaelic poem Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire.
Ellen O'Leary (1831–1889): Irish patriot, poet, and prominent figure in the 19th-century literary revival.
Peadar Ua Laoghaire (1839–1920): Renowned Irish writer, scholar, and pioneer of modern Gaelic literature.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
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 occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
