Hayes is a Munster name through and through. It comes from the Gaelic Ó hAodha, "descendant of Aodh," an old name meaning fire, and it runs deepest in Limerick and Tipperary, with the O'Hea form in west Cork. It is even written into sporting history: the Gaelic Athletic Association was founded in Hayes' Hotel in Thurles in 1884. Every design mentioned here is in our Hayes Irish family gifts collection.
For the Hurling and Football Fan
If the Hayes on your list lives for the championship, start with the Hayes Irish harp T-shirt, with cream lettering, a gold-toned harp and a shamrock, in Black, Forest Green or Irish Green. Add the Hayes wall pennant for the den where the matches get watched, and you have a match-day gift that fits the name's Tipperary roots.
For a Milestone: The Hayes Woven Blanket
For a wedding, anniversary or big birthday, the Hayes Irish woven blanket is the heirloom choice. The family crest and the Irish National Tartan are woven into 100% cotton, finished with fringed edges and offered in three sizes, from a display throw to a full bed blanket.
For Every Day: The Hayes Mug and Coasters
The Hayes accent mug puts the family crest on the Irish National Tartan with a black handle and interior, and it pairs neatly with the Hayes coaster set for a housewarming basket or a retirement gift.
More Hayes Ideas
- Garden flag: two sizes for the porch or front garden; pole not included.
- Christmas ornament: a ceramic keepsake for a first Christmas.
- Hayes emblem T-shirt: a crest-style design in Irish Green or Black.
- Novelty license plate: the Hayes crest on an Irish flag design for the car or garage.
Put the Story in the Card
Try: "Ó hAodha, the fire, from Limerick and Tipperary to wherever we are now." For a sports fan, mention Hayes' Hotel in Thurles. For the full family story, including the O'Hea of Cork and the Norman Hayes of Wexford, see our Hayes surname history. Hayes families with Ulster cousins will find the same root in our Hughes history.
Hayes Gift FAQ
What is a good Hayes gift for a GAA fan?
The Hayes Irish harp T-shirt for match day, with the wall pennant for the den.
Do you have O'Hea designs?
Our Hayes designs use the Hayes spelling. O'Hea is the west Cork form of the same Gaelic name, so choose the spelling the recipient uses.
What is the most substantial Hayes gift?
The woven cotton blanket, in three sizes with fringed edges.