Irish Americans can  now celebrate their ancestors with their own Certificate of Irish Heritage. The Certificate is a Government of Ireland programme providing official recognition to people of Irish ancestry across the world.

Now, for the first time,  there are family discounts available on multiple purchases of the Certificates of Irish Heritage.

The certificate is considered the perfect gift for special family occasions such as christenings, First Communions, birthdays, weddings or retirements. Five certificates now cost just $210 including shipping to the US. This is a saving of over 40 percent on a single certificate which costs $74 including shipping. 

The certificate honors those ancestors who sacrificed so much by leaving Ireland and who created opportunities for later generations. Up to 40 million Americans, 35 million with Irish ancestry and five million with Northern Irish roots are eligible to apply.

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Last September, the Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore T.D, presented the first Certificate of Irish Heritage to the family of Joe Hunter, a New York fireman, who lost his life in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre.

Speaking at the presentation, Eamon Gilmore said, “engagement with the global Irish community is central to government policy and we are encouraging and facilitating people in giving expression to their Irish ancestry. The Certificate of Irish Heritage will allow us to maintain these strong ties now and in the future”

Each Certificate has a Harp, the official State symbol of Ireland, and is signed on behalf of the Government of Ireland by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamonn Gilmore. There is also a quote from Article 2 of Bunreacht na hÉireann (the Constitution of Ireland), recognizing the special affinity Ireland has with the people of Irish ancestry abroad.

Each Certificate is unique and includes the name of the applicant, and the names of up to two ancestors including their county and year of birth. Applicants can choose from three beautifully designed certificates depicting an emigrant ship, a Celtic knot, or a west of Ireland scene. The Certificates are available in English, Irish, or Spanish and they can be bought framed or unframed.

See www.heritagecertificate.ie for details to-day.

Here’s a video giving an introduction to the certificates: