O'Keefe Family Crest Parchment

O'Keefe Family Crest

Created by Edmond McGrath (RIP) in the 1970s, these Irish prints were rediscovered in 2020 after 40 years in safe storage. Beautifully arranged in this Irish coat of arms parchment is an artistic celebration of the O'Keefe Irish surname. The O'Keefe family crest is illustrated at the center and surrounded by famous Celtic symbols of Ireland. These illustrations are a wonderful dedication to Irish last names.

Imagine having this beautiful story of your name hanging on your living room wall for all to study over a glass of wine, or to take a glimpse at it when having your Barry's tea on the couch. There is so much to take in. This parchment is an heirloom for many generations yet to come. It's a wonderful reminder of your Irish heritage.

On your living room wall, you will always be reminded of your Irish origins and it will be a show stopper for visiting friends and family. Presenting a family coat of arms gift is a truly special gift for the home for someone special who has that unique Irish connection.

On this parchment, the Killarney lakes take center stage above the heraldic shield whilst many Irish Celtic symbols and famous monuments surround it.

Illustrated in this parchment are:

• Book of Kells inspired artwork
• St.Patrick
• The Cross of Cong
• The Ardagh Chalice
• Killarney Lakes
• The Irish Harp
• The Currachs of the West of Ireland
• Glendalough Monastery
• Blarney Castle
• Traditional thatched houses of Ireland
• Ahenny Cross
• Cross of Muiredach
• The Burgh O’Malley Chalice
• The crests of the four provinces of Ireland: Ulster, Connaught, Leinster, Munster
• The Tara Brooch
• The Celtic Torc 

The O'Keefe Coat Of Arms Story

Read the intriguing transcription of the text illustrated on the O'Keefe family history parchment:

In Irish the name is O’Caoimh which is derived from the personal name Caemh. The ancestor who gave his name to the sept or clan of O’Caoimh was Art Caemh, son of a king of Munster who was killed in 902. Unlike many names beginning with the prefix ‘O,’ the O'Keefes have, for the most part, retained it.  This group originates in County Cork where, despite invasion and emigration, they are still very well represented. The name occurs rather infrequently elsewhere but there are sufficient of them in Cork for it to be included in the hundred most numerous names in Ireland.  The Anglo-Norman invasion of the twelfth century led to a gradual extending of Norman power further west at the expense of the native population. At the beginning of the eighteenth century the O' Keefes were themselves forced to move further west from their original territory but they still remained within the boundaries of the present County Cork.   The land they then established themselves on, in the Duhallow country, became known as Pobal O'Keefe. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries many O'Keefes left this area to cake up service with the European powers. Some of them became prominent in France, the family of Constantine O'Keefe (1671-1745), who was a famous officer of the Irish Brigade, were admitted into the nobility. Another well-known soldier was General Patrick O'Keefe who saw forty-seven years’ service.  Other notable representatives were Father Owen O'Keefe (1656-1726) president of the bards of north County Cork, and John O'Keefe, the playwright (1747-1833).

Choose your option:

Framed large Print: 18" x 24". Displays the crest, family history and Ireland illustration.

Framed Small Print: 8" x 12". Comes in a black frame. Displays the crest and family history.

Print Only: 18" x 24" large size, or, 8" x 12" small size.

Unlimited Print Download: An ideal option if you would like your extended family to each have one. If you choose to order this, you will be sent the link to download the high quality PDF afterwards and start sharing with all the family! Find a good printer with nice thick paper and it will look lovely. Note: there is no shipping charge at checkout for digital download.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Irish Prints

I purchased a digital download but I didn't receive anything

Once you purchase it, we will email you the high resolution print file within the day. We advise that you use thicker paper or parchment paper to get the best quality results.

Do you sell heraldic shields?

Yes we do. Check out our full range of shields for families here. You can also contact us with any queries and Aidan will be happy to advise you.

My family name is not in your collection. Can you make one for me?

Currently, we have 180 most common Irish names in stock. We do plan to expand our range so please let us know what name you would like.