Clans of Ireland was established in 1989 as an independent authority to
co-ordinate and support the activities Irish Clan Societies. The Patron of Clans
of Ireland is Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland. Fáilte Ireland is a
founding member with nominating rights to the board of Clans Ireland. Registered
Charity No. C.H.Y. 11585..
The Clans of Ireland is a registered non profit voluntary organisation who encourage and assist their member clans in Family and Clan history research, Clan Rallies, DNA research and associated activities. The Clans of Ireland have an annual general meeting which is an occasion for Clan committees to get together and further promote the aims and objectives of Irish Clan culture. Clan O' Byrne has been a registered member since 1995 and their Chieftain Val Byrne became a director in 1998 and carried on to become Chairman until he retired in 2003.