How to Obtain a Coat of Arms From Ireland
- 1). You are eligible to apply for a coat of arms if you are a citizen of Ireland, or have resided in Ireland for at least five years, or are a non-resident who has "substantial historical, cultural, educational, financial or ancestral connections with Ireland." Corporations and organizations may also apply for a coat of arms.
- 2). The application process for a coat of arms is complicated, requiring a great deal of personal information, as well as copies of supporting documentation. To expedite the process, it is best to contact the Chief Herald office regarding all the necessary paperwork. You can write to the Chief Herald office at the following address:
Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
Alternatively, you can contact the Chief Herald office via email, herald@nli.ie. - 3). Once the application process has been completed, a herald of arms will get in touch with you to discuss possible designs for your coat of arms. Heraldry is an art that dates back to the Middle Ages and follows precise rules regarding the emblems, insignia, mottoes, and even color schemes that are permissible. If you are thinking of personalizing your coat of arms, bear in mind that your choices are limited by the rules of heraldry.
- 4). Receiving the grant of a coat of arms does not mean that that you can now refer to yourself as "Sir" or "Lord" or "Lady," nor does it mean that you are entitled to lay claim to any property. Furthermore, the coat of arms is granted to you and to your descendants alone; it is not granted to your entire family. In other words, you are entitled to use your coat of arms on personal jewelry such as a signet ring, or on your personal stationery, or on a shield or banner, but your parents, your brothers and sisters and your other relatives may not.
- 5). Once the design has been approved, you will receive painted on a sheet of vellum a full-color image of your coat of arms. Confirmation that these arms have been granted to you will be recorded in the Register of Arms in the National Library of Ireland and from that day will become a matter of public record. Please note: as of this writing the Chief Herald of Ireland is not accepting new applications for coats of arms.
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