Some info about the history of Ryans in general.


Motto: Malo Mari quam Faedari, which means, "I would rather die than be dishonoured."
Origin of name: The surname Ryan and its variants can trace its origin from Milesius King of the Milesians (or Celts) King of Spain through the time of his son Heremon, first absolute King of Ireland, 504 BC and Cathair Mor, one of the most renowned monarchs that ever held the Irish throne.
Territory and Strongholds of the Ryans

Killaloe Cathederal, County Clare.

This Cathedral, erected by Donal Mor O Brien, King of Thomond, was granted to a member of the Ryan family in the 16th century.

Tara, County Meath.

The O'Ryans of Idrone, County Carlow and the Mulryans of Owney, County Tipperary and Limerick were descended from Cathair Mor, High King of Ireland, c300 A.D. who had his palace at Tara, County Meath.

Barony of Idrone, County Carlow

The original family stronghold of Idrone relates to much of present-day County Carlow and traverses the River Barrow valley westward into County Kilkenny. The O'Ryans were chiefs of Idrone, which territory nowadays is encompassed by the Barony of Idrone.

Cistercian Duiske Abbey, Craignamanagh, County Kilkenny.

This is one of the oldest buildings associated with the Ryan family that still remains intact in the Idrone regions of County Carlow. Dermot O'Ryan of Idrone granted the land for this building in the 12th century. It is now beautifully restored and used as the Parish Church, located in the centre of the town.

Baronies of Owney, County Limerick with Arra and Owney Beg, County Tipperary.

The Munster Branch of the family the Mulryans were chiefs of Owney favouring the rich pastures of the Golden Vale in the counties Tipperary and Limerick. The territory of Owney in modern times consists of the Barony Owney and Arra in County Tipperary and the Barony Owney Beg in County Limerick.

Cragg Castle, County Tipperary.

Most of the Castles built by the Ryans (O Mulryans) when they arrived in the Owney territory of Munster were demolished or confiscated by the Cromwellian forces in the 17th century. In the mid15th century the Earl of Ormond destroyed the Ryan stronghold, Cragg Castle, six miles east of Killaloe. The ancient burial ground of the Tipperary Ryans was located one mile east of Cragg, where today one can see many Ryan graves.

Ballymackeogh House, Newport, County Tipperary -

is located one of the best-preserved buildings County Tipperary associated with the Owney O Ryans. This beautiful building Ballymackeogh House was for centuries, the home of a branch of the Owney O Ryans.

Abingdon Abbey and Castle, County Tipperary.

The Earl of Ormond and in the 15th century destroyed the Ryan Castle at Abingdon in County Limerick. This is a site of an Abbey and castle of Owney - the seat of John Ryan, Abbot in the 16th century.

Cully Castle, Newport, Tipperary.

This is now named Castle Waller. The castle was confiscated by Cromwellian in the 17th century. The remains of this Ryan stronghold can be seen at the present time.

Tyone House, Nenagh, County Tipperary

Malachi Ryan once occupied this. His descendants (Thomas Ryan Riggs-Miller and his wife Nancy) reside at the adjacent townland of Tullaheady.

The Spirit of St Louis, which Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic in 1927, was built in the USA by Ryan Aviation.