Map of Ireland showing where the O'Gara arms are recorded
The O'Gara arms were recorded in Sligo, c. 1172.
Sligo was north-western Irish country with a harbour and poor land behind it. Its families were few and held their ground for a very long time, which is what put them in the records.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Henry II of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry II of England
1154–1189
Reigning in Ireland when the O'Gara arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sligo.
Origin & History of the O'Gara Family in Ireland
The O’Gara family name originates from the Gaelic name Ó Gadhra, which translates to descendant of Gadhra. Historical records confirm that the family was well-established in County Sligo by 1172. During this period, the O’Garas were prominent leaders who held significant power in the region of Coolavin. They were part of the wider Luighne tribe and served as influential lords who governed their territory with authority. The family maintained a strong presence in the west of Ireland for centuries, often acting as patrons of poets and scholars who helped preserve Irish history and language. Their deep roots in the landscape of Sligo allowed them to remain a central force in local politics and culture throughout the medieval era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gara
A word derived from the Irish term for sharpness or watchfulness.
This name
O'GaraDescendant of the sharp or watchful one.
also spelled
Gara
Related arms
Garasame arms
McDermotrecorded with O'Gara, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
O’Donovan, John, Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland by the Four Masters, 1856
O’Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation, 1892
National Library of Ireland, Genealogical Office Manuscripts
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
