Birmingham
Birmingham Tartan Collection
Honour a great Anglo-Norman name with the Birmingham collection — the de Berminghams, Lords of Athenry in the west of Ireland, a powerful family of Galway who keep the proud motto, Lámh Láidir an Uachtar.
- Featured
- Most relevant
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old
About the Birmingham Tartan
The Birmingham name — in its older form de Bermingham — is that of a great Anglo-Norman family, not a Scottish clan. Taking their name from Birmingham in England, the family came to Ireland with the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 1170s, and rose to become Lords, and later Barons, of Athenry in County Galway. As an Irish family of Norman descent rather than a Scottish one, the name is most fittingly worn with the Irish National tartan or a county tartan of their Galway home.
This collection celebrates the Birmingham and Bermingham name and its distinguished Irish heritage, bringing a fitting Irish tartan into apparel, accessories, home decor and heritage gifts for those who carry one of the great Hiberno-Norman names of the west.
Birmingham & Irish Tartan Colours
Worn through the Irish National tartan, the collection draws on a fresh green-based palette lifted by gold and a fine line of cream — the green of the Irish countryside that became the family's home, fitting for a name long woven into the story of Galway and Connacht.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Birmingham collection is a meaningful choice for the Birmingham and Bermingham family, descendants of Galway and Connacht, those of Hiberno-Norman heritage, and anyone drawn to one of the great Anglo-Norman names of Ireland.
- Birmingham & Bermingham family
- County Galway roots
- Hiberno-Norman heritage
- Family gatherings
- Birthday & holiday gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Birmingham Family Heritage
Robert de Bermingham came to Ireland with Strongbow in the conquest of 1172, and the family settled first in the west, in Galway. Myler de Bermingham founded the town and abbey of Athenry in 1240, and the family held the title Baron of Athenry — one of the oldest peerages on record in Ireland and Britain — from their arrival until 1799. The more Gaelicised branches adopted the Irish patronymic Mac Fheorais, "son of Piers," which became the surname Corish.
The family also wrote themselves into Scottish history: in 1318, John de Bermingham led the army that defeated Edward Bruce — brother of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots — at the Battle of Faughart near Dundalk, for which he was created Earl of Louth. The family crest, an armoured arm holding an arrow, and the Irish motto Lámh Láidir an Uachtar — "the strong hand uppermost" — reflect their martial Norman heritage.
Birmingham Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Birmingham name, the tartan its members wear, and why Birmingham products make meaningful heritage gifts.
Is Birmingham a Scottish clan?
No. Birmingham (de Bermingham) is a great Anglo-Norman family of Ireland, Lords of Athenry in County Galway. It is most fittingly worn with the Irish National tartan or a Galway county tartan.
Where does the Birmingham name come from?
From the town of Birmingham in England. The family came to Ireland with the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 1170s and became Lords of Athenry in Galway.
What is the Irish form of the name?
The Gaelicised branches took the patronymic Mac Fheorais, "son of Piers," which later became the surname Corish. Bermingham is the older spelling of Birmingham.
What does the motto mean?
Lámh Láidir an Uachtar means "the strong hand uppermost." It is paired with a crest of an armoured arm holding an arrow.
How is the family connected to Scotland?
In 1318 John de Bermingham defeated Edward Bruce, brother of Robert the Bruce, at the Battle of Faughart, and was created Earl of Louth for the victory.
Is Birmingham tartan a good gift?
Yes. Irish-tartan Birmingham products make a meaningful gift for the Birmingham and Bermingham family and for those with Galway or Hiberno-Norman heritage.
Carry the Birmingham Name with Pride
Discover Irish tartan apparel, accessories and gifts for the Birmingham family — honouring Athenry, County Galway and a great Anglo-Norman name of the west of Ireland.
View Birmingham Tartan Products