The Clan/Sept History

The Gaelic name Breathnach means 'British' or 'Welsh', and the name Walsh is a semi-translation of this meaning. The name arrived in Ireland with the Anglo-Norman invasion at the end of the 12th century, and was established in a number of different locations throughout the country. Today, Walsh is the fourth most numerous surname in Ireland, and is the most numerous in Co. Mayo in the western province of Connacht.