The Costello Family

Costello family crest

(Crest No. 195. Plate 10.)

THE Costello family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Ir. The founder of the family was Conla, son of Caolbhach, last King of Ulster of the race of Ir. The ancient name was Cosheath and signifies “Swiftfooted.” The possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Limerick and Donegal.

In Meath there was an Anglo-Norman family named Nangle, who became Barons of Navan, and many of them took the Irish name of MacCostello, and from them the barony of Costello, in Mayo, derived its name.