Show off your clan pride with the Clan Crest Kilt Pin!  Dozens of Irish names are available.

Please note the following for all Clan Crest items:

1. If the clan name you want is NOT listed on a particular product (try looking for alternate spellings), we do not offer it for that particular item.
2. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery of Clan Crest items.
3. All Irish name items will come in the GAELIC spelling (what's in parentheses), NOT the ENGLISH spelling.

The Kilt pin is worn on the lower right corner of the kilt’s apron (above the wearer’s right knee). Typically, the pin is positioned about 5” up from the bottom of the kilt (the bottom of the pin is 5” up) and about 2” in from the right edge of the front apron. Please note that it does NOT pin multiple layers of cloth together… it only goes through the front apron.

- 100% Pewter

- Made in Scotland

- Measures 3.4" long by 1.4" wide

Are there Irish Clan Crests the same way there are Scottish clan crests? 

What does a family crest mean?

Family crests and coats of arms have been used for centuries in many cultures - from Europe to Japan. In European heraldry, these powerful and inspiring symbols are derived from the decorative crests worn by knights during tournaments so that people could recognize them from a distance.

While the knight would have a separate coat of arms displayed on his shield and elsewhere, the helmet crest was more personalized. It might include elements of the coat of arms (also called a heraldic device) or it might be completely unique.

For instance if the warrior was personally inspired by dragons, he might have a dragon head as a crest on his helm. This is why in formal heraldic display, both the coat of arms and the the helmet crest will be represented.  

In time the crest as well as the coat of arms and livery (uniforms for servants) became hereditary - passed down through the family following the paternal line.

How old are Irish family crests?

Noble Irish families are descended from two sources - the Irish clan system, which was very similar to the Scottish clan system, and from English or Scottish families who were transplanted to Ireland. The latter was based on primogeniture from the beginning. The clan system only became a family legacy system later in its medieval history (Irish clan chiefs had originally been chosen by election). 

Thus, an Irish family can have a long history of bearing a coat of arms and a crest. However, under English rule from the 16th through the 19th century this was not widely utilized. Only "transplant" noble families might display such art. 

Who is allowed to wear an Irish family crest? 

Anyone. How important a part of Irish expression this is is entirely up to the individual. As Irish culture went through a journey of reemergence in the 20th century, interest in Irish names, Irish family history, the old Irish clan connections (Kin) and thus heraldry increased. Now, as well as many tartans, Irishmen can display the appropriate crest associated with their family name. in some cases this crest was passed down from centuries before. In others, it was claimed and made popular only from the late 19th century onwards - just as Scottish clan crests developed under the Scottish revival. 

The history of any one crest can be quite complicated, meaning that many Irish people, at home or in the diaspora, are not even aware they have access to a crest. And wearing a crest as part of a kilt outfit is an even more recent practice. Luckily, many Irish family and clan crests are now easy to obtain and enjoy as kilt pins, cap badges, and more. 

What is the difference between an Irish family crest and a Scottish clan crest?

Unlike the Scottish clan crest, displaying an Irish crest does NOT imply any from of loyalty or adherence to a clan or noble family. it is merely an expression of heritage, history and genealogy. This is why Irish clan crests do not include the heraldic "belt of loyalty" seen on Scottish clan crests. The clan system in Ireland went defunct as a political structure very early, so it simply never became "a thing".

The Clan Crest kilt pin is a 'custom' item. Generally, this product ships within 4 to 6 weeks of the order date.