Worldwide O'Malleys
This section of the website is to celebrate O'Malleys around the world. Tell us your stories, your family histories, your connections back to Ireland and we'll publish them here. Just put an article together and send it to omalleyclanireland@gmail.com , stating that you would like your account to be added to this website. As we build up the collection, we'll add some tools so you can search by location and find O'Malley connections close to you. We have lots of material to add here, so it's a work in progress. Please help us to put together something truly memorable for the benefit of future generations of O'Malleys, Maleys, Melias Ó Máilles and all the rest.
If you don't know too much about your family history and would like to find out more, consult our Genealogy page to get started. It's got lots of helpful advice and information on various branches of the O'Malleys.
Achill O'Malleys
Limerick O'Malleys
There are at least two branches of the O'Malleys in Achill Island, Co Mayo. One branch is descended from Clare Island O'Malleys who moved to Achill in the nineteenth century and another is descended from the O'Malley Chieftains who were Lords of Umhall before the arrival of the Normans in Ireland. See article on the Doogort O'Malleys. Many Achill O'Malleys emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio and today Achill is officially twinned with Cleveland.
There is historical evidence of O'Malleys in Limerick since the 12th century. The O'Malley DNA project has found that it is likely that the surname arose independently of the Mayo O'Malleys, as surnames began to be adopted in the 10th and 11th centuries. Dr Maurice Gleeson has written about the origins of the Limerick O'Malleys in his blog. Grace O'Malley Cantillon's book on one Limerick branch provides more recent detail. Several Limerick O'Malleys were prominent in 20th century Irish politics and government.
Clare Island O'Malleys
Reputedly the burial place of Grace O'Malley, Clare Island has been home to many O'Malleys over the centuries. A nineteenth century baptismal register in the National Library of Ireland shows at least a third of the entries had at least one Malley parent. A branch of the family settled in Rathdowney, Co Laois and another in Kilkenny.
Louisburgh O'Malleys
The small town of Louisburgh at the mouth of Clew Bay has seen many O'Malleys from the surrounding townlands such as Dooghmackeon, Carrowmore, Caher and others.
Westport O'Malleys
Westport is the largest town on Clew Bay, ancient home of the Mayo O'Malleys. Westport House is built on the site of Cathair na Mart Castle, an O'Malley stronghold. Nearby were Belaclare Castle and Carrigahowley Castle, also belonging to the O'Malleys. Many branches of O'Malleys lived in Westport and its surrounds - and still do. John J O'Malley, First modern Chieftain of the O'Malley Clan came from the Westport area and had his business in the town.
Galway O'Malleys
One branch of the O'Malleys traces their origins to Kilmilkin in the Maam valley. They have distinguished themselves in the field of medicine, both in Ireland and the USA. Another numerous branch is connected with Rosmuc in Connemara.