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O'Leary Name History

O'Leary Coat of Arms

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O'Leary is an Irish name, an anglicized version of the original Gaelic patronym Ó Laoghaire or Ó Laoire. The Uí Laoghaire clan, today associated with the Uibh Laoghaire parish in County Cork, is considered by scholars to have originated on the southwest coast, in the area of Ros Ó gCairbre (Rosscarbery), of which the O'Leary were hereditary lords. The Annals of Innisfallen (Dublin copy) records St. Fachtna's (Saint Fachanan) death in 600 AD as occurring in "O'Laeghaire of Ross i.e. Corca Laidhe-I-Laeghaire Ruis." The clan traces its lineage to Lugaid Mac Con, an ancient King of Tara and High King of Ireland, and descendant of Dáire Doimthech.

In the 12th century the O'Learys were recognised hereditary wardens of St Fachtna's monastery and seat of higher learning, the School of Ross. In more recent times (since 1300 AD), the clan, of the Corcu Loígde, was pushed north and settled in an area south of Macroom around Inchigeelagh on the River Lee called Uibh Laoghaire (or Uibh Laoire in modern Irish - the 'gh' is silent in the old Irish). The Corcu Loígde were the rulers of Munster, and of territories beyond the province, before the rise of the Eóganachta in the 7th century.

Variant spellings of the Irish surname O'Leary include O'Leery and others.

More about the O'Leary name and coat of arms

The O'Learys are an old family in Ireland and part of the Gaelic nobility. We are honored to offer two framed documents that provide more details on the O'Leary surname and family crest. The  Framed Irish Family Name History  and  Framed Irish Coat of Arms & Family History are heirloom-quality framed prints that describe the O'Leary family history in detail.

O'Leary is one of the many Irish coats of arms and surnames available on clothing, glassware, home decor, and other quality gifts. See the Irish coat of arms page on theirishrose.com for family crest ideas and products.

Is there an O'Leary's pub in Ireland?

There is at least one Irish pub named for the O'Learys in Ireland. The next time you travel in County Cork, visit O'Leary's Bar in Charleville to raise a pint and take a photo or two.

If you can't visit in person, our personalized pub gifts are the next best thing!

Notable people named O'Leary

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