Irish clans are officially recognize groups of people who either share a surname or are descended from people who bore the surname. Since 1989, the government of the Republic of Ireland has recognized a charity called "Clans of Ireland" as the official registrar of these groups. Based at Athenry in County Galway, it is similar to a genealogical society with an additional social dimension. To date, more than 230 clans have registered. For a complete listing, visit the charity's website at .