Irish nobility


The Irish nobility consists of persons who historically fell into one or more of the following categories of nobility.
These groups are not mutually exclusive. There is a some overlap between the first two groups, and a lesser degree of overlap between the last two groups. Such overlaps may be personal, or they may be geographical.
In the Republic of Ireland, as a republic, the Irish Constitution precludes the state from conferring titles of nobility, and prevents citizens from accepting titles of nobility or honour - except with the prior approval of the government. While some representatives of clans and families had obtained "courtesy recognition" as Chiefs of the Name from the Chief Herald of Ireland, this practice was discontinued by 2003 - with the Attorney General noting that such recognitions were unconstitutional and without basis in law. In Northern Ireland however, as part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, certain titles are still used and awarded.