Reference: 2026-05-30 Excerpt from “Claude”, an AI standalone program

Based on the detailed research at NolanFamilies.org, the answer is nuanced — there isn’t a single fixed number of haplogroups, because the research is ongoing and the data keeps growing. Here’s what we know:

The primary haplogroup associated with Nolan family lines is R1b-M222 (a subclade of R1b-L21 > DF13 > DF49 > M222). Many modern-day Nolans, whether O Nuallains (Carlow Nolans) or O hUallachains (Galway Nolans), are expected to test positive for inclusion in the R1b-M222 haplogroup, given that its common ancestor lived around 1550 BCE. FamilySearch

Within R1b-M222, the most relevant sub-haplogroup is R-Z2959. As of November 2023, FamilyTreeDNA had identified at least 6 descendant lineages for the R-Z2959 haplogroup, with the dominant one being R-S568 — the grouping where the highest concentration of Nolan Y-DNA test results are found. FamilySearch

But the picture is broader than just R1b. Glenn Allen Nolen’s own research pages reference additional haplogroups associated with Nolan lines, including:

• R-U152 (R1b1b2a1b7) — linked to what he called a Corca Luighe/Dal Riata Nolan line
• Haplogroup I2a — specifically noted in connection with DYS #385a and 385b markers at 11 and 17, which he associated with the Fomorians of Irish mythology

The main Carlow Nolan lineage (R-M269#01) issues from node A10857 with the Y-DNA signature R1b > M222 > S568 > A10857 > Y60251, and its most recent common ancestor lived around 1500 CE. FamilySearch

In terms of sub-groups overall, as of April 2025, the Nolan Group Time Tree — derived from Big Y-DNA tests done with FamilyTreeDNA — has identified 13 sub-groups. These are not all separate haplogroups per se, but distinct family lineages branching off the main tree at different points in history. The Family History Guide

So in summary: the dominant haplogroup is R1b-M222, with at least R-U152 and I2a also documented as separate Nolan-associated lines, and 13 sub-groups identified within the broader Nolan Y-DNA tree as of early 2025.