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This is simply a work in progress, in honor of the history, geography and genealogy of the ancient Irish tuath and septs. Content and Images are copyright of Dennis Walsh, � 2003, All Rights Reserved.
County Leitrim [5 baronies] - see Connacht map
All - The Ui Briuin Breifne. In the 9th to the mid-13th centuries the
O Ruairc (O'Rourke) were chief Kings of Breifne which included counties
Cavan and Leitrim. By the 13th century O Ruairc were lords of West Breifne
(Leitrim) and O'Reilly were chiefs in East Breifne (Cavan).
Carrigallen - The Mag Dorchaidh (Darcy) were chiefs of Cinel-Luachain in
the modern parish of Oughteragh. The MacRannall chiefs held much of this
barony as part of the territory called Conmaicne Rein.
Drumahaire - The O Ruairc (O'Rourke) were Kings and Lords in this
region for many centuries. O'Finn and O'Carroll were chiefs of Calraighe,
which included the civil parishes of Drumlease and Killargy in Leitrim.
The MacKenny's (Keaney) were chiefs in an area known as Muinter
Mountains, or Muintir Kenny, an older name for the barony of
Dromohair. Originally known as the Mac Consnamha, the Clan Kenny
was said to originate in the parish of Innismagrath. They later
were known as Mac Kinnawe and still later changed to Ford. The Mac
Cagadhain (MacEgan?) were chief of Clan Fear a Muige here.
Leitrim - The area was part of Conmaicne Rein around the 8th century.
The Reynolds (MacRannall) were chiefs of an area
comprising much of the baronies of Mohill and Leitrim (Liathdromen), then
known as Muinter Eolais.
Mohill - Early, this area was also part of Conmaicne Rein.
The Reynolds (MacRannall) were chiefs of an area
comprising much of the baronies of Mohill and Leitrim (Liathdromen), then
known as Muinter Eolais.
Rosclougher - The O'Murroughs, or O'Murreys, were chiefs in
the barony of Rosclougher. Their territory was the Hy Murragh.
The Mac Murry or Mac Morrow were chiefs in Loghmoyltagh. The
MacClancy's were chiefs of Dartraighe (Dartry) in the barony
of Rosclogher. O Miadhachain (O'Meehan) is found here at the time of
the Norman invasions.
Misc - Mac Fionbhair (Finnevar) are given as chiefs of Muintir
Greadain in southern Leitrim. The MacCabe family were captains of the
galloglass, serving both Breffni O'Rourke and Breffni O'Reilly, and coming
from the Hebrides islands in the 14th century. The MacShanly chief is
given as MacShanly of Dromod as neighbors to the MacRannells who
destroyed their power in the 15th century.
All - Anciently inhabited by perhaps the Coriondi tribe, as translated from
Ptolemy of the 2nd century. Later tribal names here include the
Uaithne, the Ciarrage [Luachra] and the Ui Fidgeinte. With the ascendancy of the Eoganacht in the
7th century, part of the county came to be referred to as Eoghanacht Aine Cliach (Airthir Chliach),
which was sub-divided into five cantreds: Carrigoginniol, Uaithne, Cairbre Aobhdha,
Ui Conaill Gabhra, and Connalla. In addition to the septs who controlled these cantreds,
the other principal families at the time of the Norman Invasion were
O'Hurley, Mac Sheehy, O'Gorman, O'Collins, O'Coin, O'Scanlan, and O'Hallinan.
At that time part of the county had been included within the O'Brien province
of Thomond.
Clanwilliam - named for the Clanwilliam Burkes. The O'Cuircs (O'Quirkes) were noted here in the 11th and 12th centuries as kings of Muscraige Cuirc, sometimes called O'Quirkes Country. The O'Heffernans are cited here after being displaced by the Ryans from Owney and Owneybeg baronies. Also see County Tipperary. The � Conaings (O'Gunning), a sept of the Ui Bloid, were noted with
territory near Castlegunning (Castleconnell) prior to being dispossessed by the MacWilliam Burkes in the 13th century.
Connello (Lower) - Anciently the Ui Fidhgeninte (Ui Conaill Gabra) occupied Connello,
e.g. O'Flannery. Connalla was the name of the Eoghanacht cantred here,
run by the O'Kinealys and O'Thyans. O'Coileain (Collins or Cullane) were
lords of Connello until they settled in Cork in the 13th century. The chief
of the O'Sheehans is found anciently here. O'Morny is cited in the barony of
Lower Conello.
Connello (Upper) - Hy Cnocnuil Gabhra (aka Ui Conaill Uachtarach) was the name of the
Eoghanacht cantred here, run by the McEneirys and O'Sheehans. MacEneiry
(MacHenry) is further cited as chief of the Corca Muikedha (Muiceadha). O'Coileain
(Collins or Cullane) were later lords of Connello until they settled in
Cork in the 13th century. The O'Billrys were also cited as a chief in
Ui Conaill Gabhra (Guara). O'Meehan is cited as chiefs in Connello, along with
O'Cullane and O'Sheehan. O'Connell is cited as chief of Hy-Cuilean, a territory
south-east of Abbeyfeale, before they settled across the border in Kerry in
the 12th century.
Coonagh - Mac Ui Bhrian (Mac Brien). Mac Longachain (Long or Longan)
is found alongside the O'Dwyers as chiefs of a territory which included
part of this barony and part of Owney and Arra in Tipperary.
Coshlea - O'hAodha (O'Hea or Hayes) is given as chief of Muscraidhe
Luachra, between Kilmallock and Ardpatrick.
Coshma - Hy Cnocnuil Gabhra was the name of the Eoghanacht
cantred here. O'Kinealy (O'Kenealy) is given as an ancient chief in a territory
(Eoganacht Grian Guara) which included Coshma and the barony of Small County.
In the 11th century � Cleirch�n, or O'Clerkin (Clerk, Cleary,), was recorded in this
area as a "Lord of the Ui Fidhgeinte" and as lord of Ui-Cairbre.
Glenquin - Anciently it formed part of the territory of the Ui Fidhgeninte (Ui Conaill Gabra).
O hAilgheanain (O'Hallinan) is cited with a six-story Tower House here before
being superceded by the O'Briens. The barony was formed from the large barony of Connello
in the 17th century.
Kenry (Caenraige) - O'Flannery and O'Clerkin are cited here as chief of Dal Cairbri.
Cairbre Aobhdha (Dal Cairbre Eva) was the name of the Eoganacht cantred here,
also ruled by the O'Donovans. The Irish family of O'Beargha (Barry) were chiefs
here. O'Mulcallen (O Maolchallan) is cited as chief of Conriada in this barony.
Kilmallock - Cill Mocheall�g, in Irish, containing the single parish of St. Peter's
and St. Paul's. The Desmond Geraldines (FitzGerald) were noted philanthropists here.
Limerick City - founded by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries.
Owneybeg - Uaithney was the name of the Eoghanacht cantred here,
controlled by the O'Maoilriain (O'Mulryan or O'Ryan) who were cited as
chiefs of 'Owney Mulryan' which included both Owneybeg, and Owney in
Co. Tipperary. Mac Eochaid (MacKeogh) were cited as chief of Uaithni
Tire, or Owney, which also included the barony of Owney and Arra in
Co. Tipperary. O'Dinan (Dinnahane) is cited as chiefs of Uaithne here,
as hereditary chiefs of the Eoghanacht Uaithne Agamar. � Cathal�in (O'Culhane)
is cited as a chief of Owney Beg before being dispossessed by the O'Mulryans in
the late 12th/early 3th centuries.
Pubblebrien - Carrigoginniol was the name of the Eoghanacht cantred here,
belonging to the O'Kiarwicks (afterwards to the O'Briens). Mac Ui Bhrian
(Mac Brien) is a sept name here. The MacSheehy clan, along with the O'Hallinans,
are cited as chiefs of Ballyhallinan. The MacSheehys were a gallowglass clan
arriving in the Ireland in the 14th century and from Connaught in the 15th century
to serve as bodyguards to the Fitzgeralds, earls of Desmond. MacArthur and
O'Scanlan are noted in the barony of Pubblebrien.
Shanid - This was included in the ancient tribal territory of the U� Fidgeinti (Ui Conaill Gabra).
In later times Shanid Castle was a principal seat of the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond. The barony was
formed from the large barony of Connello in the 17th century.
Small County - O'Ciarmaic (O'Kirwick and Kirby) served as chiefs of
Eoghanacht Ani (Ani Cliach) centered in the parish of Knockaney. O'Kirby
and O'Muldoon are referenced as kings of Aine (Eoghanacht Aine). O'Cuning (Gunning) is
cited as chief of Crioch Saingil and and Aosgreine here. O'Luain (O'Loane or Lambe) were lords
of Deisbeg in this barony prior to the arrival of the Anglo-Normans.
Misc - The O'Berga served as chiefs of Ui Rossa (Tuath Rossa). Septs of the
U� Fidgeinti included O'Donovan, O'Collins, O'Flannery, and Lyons, among others.
An O'Keeffe sept is referenced as chief of Triocha-Cead-an-Chaliadh in Limerick. An O'Casey
(O'Cahassy) sept was seated at Liscannon, near Bruff.
All - The territory now called Longford anciently went by
the names Teathba and Teffia. North Teffia was inhabited by the Glasraidhe,
descendants of early inhabitants. By the 5th century Longford was divided
into north and south. The northern territory became known as Cairbre Gabhra,
after Cairbre a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Another son received the
southern half. In the 8th century the Conmaicne (e.g. O'Farrells) invaded
the Ui Cairbre and by the 11th century were the dominant people as the
territory became known as Annaly, and was considered part of the province
of Meath. It was controlled in the north by the O'Farrel Ban (White) and
in the south by the O'Farrel Buy (Yellow). Longford was formed as a county (shire)
in 1576.
Ardagh - was formed from the territory of Sleughtwilliam (Mostrim parish),
the territory of Clangillernan (Templemichael), and from part of the church
lands in the parishes of Ardagh and Ballymacormick.
Granard - Anciently this was part of a territory known as Cairpre Gabra, alias
Corpre Tethbae, or North Teffia. The barony was formed from the territory of Clanshane (Granard, Abbeylara,
and part of Colmcille parishes), and from the territory of Slewcarberie
(Clonbroney and part of Colmcille parishes). Muintir Geradhain was located on the west side of Lough Gowna,
where � Geradhain (Gaynor or MacGinver) is mentioned as lord here in the 11th century.
Longford - was formed from the territory of Moytra (Clongesh and part of
Templemichael parishes), and the territory of Clan Hugh (in Killoe parish). Anciently
it was part of a territory known as Cairpre Gabra, and later Muinter Anghaile (Annaly).
Moydow - (Magh Dumha) Anciently it was part of a territory known as Tethba.
The barony was formed from the territories of Clanawlye (Ardagh & Moydow),
and parts of the territories of Moybrawne (Taghshinny parish), Clanconnor
(part Kilcommock, part Cashel parishes), and Muintergalgan.
Rathcline - was formed from the territories of The Callow (left bank of Shannon,
Lanesboro to Ballymahon) and the territory of Clanconnor (part Kilcommoc, part Cashel).
Callow is derived from the gaelic 'Caladh na hAnghaile', a former name for the barony,
located between Muinter Gillagan and the river Shannon. O Fergail (O'Farrell) is noted as
chief here. O'Faughny is also noted as chief of the Callow (Callo) into the 16th century.
Shrule or Abbeyshrule - was formed from parts of the territories of
Moybrawne (Shrule), Clanconnor and Muintergalgan. Moybrawne was anciently part of a
territory known as Bregmaine, or Mag Bregmaine, in Cen�l Maine.
Misc - The O'Cuinn (O'Quinn) was a principal chief of Teffia
and later held a small territory in Annaly centered at Rathcline.
County Louth [7 baronies including Drogheda Town] - see Leinster map
All - Louth was said to be part of the ancient tribe of the Voluntii in the
time of Ptolemy (circa 125 AD). In later times it was part of the larger
territory of Airghialla (Oriel) when the O'Carrolls were chiefs up to the
13th century. As a subordinate territory in Oriel, Louth formed a
district called Conal Muithemne (or Conaille Muirtheimhne),
called also Hy Conal and Machuire-Conal.
Ardee - was formed from the district of Hy Segan, or Hy Seanghain. In
841, the Vikings established a longfort (raiding base) at Linn Duachaill, Annagassan.
Drogheda -
Drogheda Town - Droichead Atha, meaning "bridge at the ford", the town was
officially founded by Hugh De Lacy in 1194, although the Vikings were said to settle here
as early as 911. Following the Norman invasion the de Berminghams and Plunketts
were among the earls of Louth.
Dundalk (Lower) - was formed from the territory of
Fera Lorg, Lorgan, or Lurgin. In Oriel, the MacScannlain are
found centered here in the parish of Ballymacscanlan. The barony of
Dundalk was the ancient home of the Conaille Muirtheimhne.
Dundalk (Upper) - was formed from Hy Mac Uais, the
country of the Mac Scanlans. The barony of Dundalk was the
ancient home of the Conaille Muirtheimhne.
Ferrard - was formed from the district of Fera Arda, or Fatharta.
The ancient home of the Fir Arda Ciannachta.
Louth - was formed from Ludha, or Lugha, the country of the
O'Carroll of Oriel.
Misc - O'hAnrachtaigh (O'Hanratty) were lords of Ui Meith Macha
in the north of Co. Louth (Omeath and Dundalk). O'Marcaigh (O'Marky) is listed as a chief
clan who possesed lands here as part of the ancient territory of Orghialla.
The Norman family of Verdun had considerable holdings in the county.
All - Anciently said to be inhabited by the Damnonian and Nagnate
people with a small portion in the south inhabited by the Auterii. Much of
Co. Mayo and Sligo was ruled by the Ui Fiachrach Muaide up to the 13th
century, shared by the tuath of the Ua Maile and Gailenga. The MacWilliam
Burkes held large possessions of the county in the wake of the Norman
invasion.
Burrishoole - O'Malley were chiefs of the territory of Fir
Umaille, or Hymalia.
Carra - aka Burriscarra. The old territory of the Partraige were noted in this area.
O'Culachain (O'Colahan) was a sept of the Ui Fiachrach
Muaidne (the Fir Ceara) who held sway here. The O'Gormog centered here once served as
chiefs of the Ui Fiachrach. The Murrays were also cited as chiefs here.
The O'Learghusa (O'Larrissey) family is cited early here. The O'Tierney
sept is cited as Lords of the barony of Carra.
Clanmorris - aka Crossboyne, the barony was formed from the ancient territories of the
Conmaicne Cuile Toladh.
Costello - aka Clancostello, it was formed from the ancient territory called Cairriage
de Lough Nairn, and was later named for the MacCostello (Nangle) family,
of Norman descent. The barony was also part of the ancient territory
of Luigne at one time. The O'Garas spread into this district in the
13th century. O'Ceirin or O'Keerin was chief of an ancient territory
in the parishes of Aghamore, Bekan and Knock.
Erris - aka Invermore, it was formed from the ancient territory called Irros-domnion,
where the Gamanraige had been noted.
The O'Dubhda (O'Dowd) were ancient chiefs in this area. O'Caithnaidh or O'Caithniadh
(O'Caheny) served as lords of Erris, with MacCoinin (MacCuneen) as
sub-chiefs. The Gibbons family was centered here.
Gallen - aka Bellalahen, the barony was formed from the ancient territory called
Coranne. The barony was also part of the ancient territory of Gailenga at one time.
O'Connellan (of Meath?) were centered here and in Kilmain. The Rowley
family is cited in the parish of Kilshesnan.
This area was later referred to as MacJordan's country, named
for descendants of the Norman named Jordan d'Exeter.
Kilmaine - formed from the ancient territories of the Conmaicne Quiltola (Conmaicne Cuil Toladh)
and Muinter Crechain (of Ui Eathach Muaidhe of Ui Fiachrach). The sept of O Talcar�in were noted as chiefs of the Conmaicne in this region.
Later, the Jennings family, descended from the Anglo-Norman Burke family, had large holdings in this area.
Murrisk - O'Malley were chiefs of the territory of Fir Umaille,
or Hymalia.
Tirawley - aka Moyne, the barony was formed from the ancient territories called
Calrigiamuighemurisk-in-Amalgaid and later of 'Ui Fiachra Muaide'.
O'Gaibhtheachain (O'Gaughan) was cited as a chief of Calry around Crossmolina.
O'Toghda (O'Towey) is cited as chief of Bredagh in the parishes of Moygawnagh and Kilfian.
The O'Dubhda (O'Dowd) were princes of the Ui Fiachrach at Carn Amalgaidh.
The Murrays were cited as chiefs of the north of this barony, serving as
chiefs of the Lagan. O'Maolfoghmair (Milford) and
O'Maolbrennuin (Mulrennin) were chieftains of a family who ruled along
the west banks of the Moy. The Cambro-Norman Barrett family were lords of
Tirawley after the 12th century.
Misc - The O'Finans of the Fiachrach Muaide (Moy) were noted as
early chiefs of Coolcarney.
All - Anciently inhabited by the Eblani, Meath later formed part of the
fifth province of Ireland known as Midhe and Brega which included Westmeath
and Longford counties as well as parts of Cavan, Kildare and King's county.
The southern Ui Neill or Clan Colman (e.g. Melaghlin) held this territory
up to the late 12th century. The O'Caindealbhain (O'Quinlan, O'Connellan or O'Kendellan)
were princes of Ui Laeghari or "Ive-Leary", an extensive territory in the
counties of Meath & Westmeath. The ancient kingdom of Meath was granted to
Hugh de Lacy following the Norman Invasion.
Deece (Lower) - The Norman de Hose (Hussey) family is found here
and were made barons of Galtrim.
Deece (Upper) - The ancient lands of the D�isi (Brega) were located
here.
Drogheda - see County Louth.
Duleek (Lower) - Ua Dubhain (O'Duane or O'Devine) of Knowth, as well as
Ua Maoil Lughdhach (O'Molluwey?) of Brug na B�inne are cited here prior to the Norman
invasion.
Duleek (Upper) - Anciently, this was the northern part of the
territory of Ciannachta which stretched south to the River Liffey in Dublin.
Dunboyne - Ua hAonghusa (O'Hennessy) of Gailenga Becc was cited
on the border of Counties Meath and Dublin in the 12th century.
Fore - The territory of the Delbna Bec was noted here
from the 8th century. Ua hAonghusa (O'Hennessy) are noted as chiefs
here in the 12th century.
Kells (Lower) - The territory of the Gaileanga Mora was noted near here
from the 8th century. The Ua Leochain (O'Loughan) sept is noted as chiefs here
in the 12th century. This area was granted to Philip Fitz Thomas
after the Norman Invasion. The Cruys (Cruise) family held castles and estates
of Cruicetown and Moydorragh.
Kells (Upper) - The territory of the Luigne was noted here in the
8th century, as well as that of the Fir Ch�l Breg. Ua Conghalaigh (O'Connolly) of the
southern U� Neill is cited here prior to the arrival of the Normans, before being driven into County Monaghan. The area was granted to Philip Fitz Thomas after the Norman Invasion.
Lune - A territory of the Luigni was noted here from the
8th century. An Ua Braoin (O'Breen) sept was noted here in the
12th century, as well as Ua Cernachain (O'Kernaghan).
It was granted to Robert Misset after the Norman Invasion.
Morgallion - Ua Leochain (O'Loughan) of Gailenga Mora were
noted chiefs here. It was obtained by Gilbert de Angulo, or Nangle in the wake
of the Norman Invasion.
Moyfenrath (Lower) - The territory of L�egaire is cited here in the 8th
century. Ua Fallamhain (O'Fallon) is noted here in the 12th century.
Moyfenrath (Upper) - The territory of Fir Bile is cited here in the 8th
century. Ua hAinbheith (O'Hanfey) is noted here in the 12th century, as well as
Ua Fallamhain (O'Fallon) of Crich na Cetach.
Navan (Lower) - A territory of the Ui Maic Uais Breg is noted here in the
8th century, with Ua hAonghusa (O'Hennessy) cited in the 12th century. Jocelin Nangle, son of Gilbert, obtained this in the wake of the Norman Invasion. They were afterwards barons of Navan.
Navan (Upper) - Ua Caindealbahin (O'Kenellan, Connellan, Quinlan) of Cen�l L�igaire is noted in the baronies of Navan in the 12th century, as was Ua Ceallaigh (O'Kelly) of Brega.
Jocelin Nangle, son of Gilbert, obtained this area in the wake of the Norman Invasion. They were afterwards barons of Navan.
Ratoath - The Southern Ui Neill dynasty of Mac Giolla Seachloinn (Mac Glaughlin)
of the S�l n�edo Sl�ine held sway here in the centuries before the Norman invasion.
Skreen - formed from the territory of Magh Breagh, or Brega,
which was centered around the ancient Hill of Tara. O'Haodha (O'Hea or
Hughes) is given as chief of Odba (Odra?) here. The Ua Duinn (O'Dunne) of Brega
were noted here prior to the Norman invasion. Territory here was granted to
Adam Pheipo after the Norman Invasion.
Slane (Lower) - The Anglo-Norman Fleming family are cited as lords
and barons of Slane.
Slane (Upper) - Ua Dubhain (O'Duane or O'Devine) of Knowth, as well as
Ua Maoil Lughdhach (O'Molluwey?) of Brug na B�inne are cited here prior to the Norman
invasion. The Anglo-Norman Fleming family are later cited as lords
and barons of Slane.
Misc - The O Connoly were one of the four tribes of Tara and
Princes of Bregia prior to the coming o the Normans in the late
12th century. The four tribes of Tara included the O'Harts, the
O'Regans, Connollys, and the O'Kellys. MacConmedha (MacConway) is
cited as a principal chief in Teffia in the territory of Muintir
Laodagain. O'Ruaidhri or O'Rory (Rogers) was lord of Finn Fochla
in Bregia (Meath/Dublin area). The Annals record for 1018 that Ui Cleircein
(O'Clerkin), Lord of Caille-Follamhaim died.
All - Prior to the 4th century the county was said to be inhabited
by the Manaigh or Monaigh. Monaghan was part of the ancient
territory of Oirghialla (Oriel), held by Ui Cremthainne septs and the
Clan Colla (e.g. O'Carroll) from the 4th to the 12th centuries. Territories
bordering or within Ui Cremthainne included Fernmag and Dartraige. In
later times it was generally referred to as Mac Mahons country. In the mid-16th
century the county was described as containing the countries of Iriell, Dartrey,
Loghtie, and Trow. In 1585 the county was formed from the five baronies
of Truagh, Dartrey, Monaghan, Cremorne and Farney.
Cremorne - Up to about 800 A.D. the Mugdorna territory stretched from Monaghan,
where it is preserved in the name Cremourne (Cr�ch Mugdorna "the territory
of the Mugdorna"), south to the Boyne at Navan.
O'Hanraghty (Hanratty) settled in this barony from Ui
Meith Macha in Co. Louth following the Norman invasion. The Leslie family
is cited in more recent times as Lords of Rothes.
Dartree - The (O)Boylan sept were kings of Dartraige from the 8th century, as
well as a chief of Airghialla in the 11th century. Their reign of power in Oriel was broken by the MacMahons.
Farney - named for the ancient territory of Fernmag. O'Ciaran or
O'Kieran is given as a chief of Fearnmuigh as a clan of Tir Eogain.
The O'Larkin sept is cited as chiefs alongside the O'Neills and MacCanns
in the old territory of Orghialla, where they were chiefs of Farney and
West Ui Breasail (in Co. Armagh). O'Cosgrove (O Cosgraigh) was the
name of the chiefs of Feara Ruis (Fir Rois) near Carrickmacross. MacArdle,
a branch of the MacMahons of Oriel are noted here, as well as septs of
Callan, O'Finn, O'Larkin, Hayes, and O'Donegan.
Monaghan - The MacMahons were chiefs in medieval times.
Trough - The Mac Kenna were chiefs of Truagh from which
the barony receives its name. O'Clerkin is also noted here.
Misc - The O'Conghaile (O'Connolly) were driven into Monaghan by
the Normans. O'Heighigh and O'Mulrooney are cited as chiefs of Oriel,
of Muintir Maolruanaidh and of Maoith Leirg Monach. The MacConnon sept moved
south from the Clones area in the 11th century to southern Monaghan adjacent to Co Louth.
County Offaly (aka King's County) [12 baronies] - see Leinster map
All - Anciently formed part of Hy Falgia, and also forming part of Hy
Laoighois. Later it became part of Hy Leigh, or Eile. The southern portion
of the county became part of Eile Chearbhail, or Ely O'Carroll, the chiefs
of which were called O'Carroll with a subordinate dynast under them named
O'Delany who ruled over a district of the south call Dal-leagh-nui. The
northern part of the county was occupied by the Mac Coghlans, O'Molloys and
O'Conor (Faly), which afterwards united with the south under the ancient
name of Hy Falgia, O'Faly or Offalia. It includes a small territory called
Hy Bressail.
Ballyboy - O Maolmhuaidh (O'Molloy) of the southern U� Niall were lords
of Fir Cell, a territory here (and in Ballycowen) within the ancient province of Midhe.
The baronies of Ballycowan, Ballyboy and Eglish were part of the country of the O'Molloys.
Ballybritt - Included in the northern part of the territory of the
Ely or �ile, and in early times was a crossroads for the ancient borders of
the kindoms of Mumhan, Midhe and Laigen.
Ballycowen - Part of the territory of the O Maolmhuaidh (O'Molloy)
sept of the southern U� Niall. The Ui Shuanaig (Fox?) sept is cited here near Rathan.
Clonlisk - Part of the territory of the O'Carrolls of Ely.
Coolestown - Part of the ancient divisions known as
Tuath d� Maige (Tuath of the Two Plains), and Ferran U� Muirc�in lying
east of the Figile river. The U� Muirc�in (Morahan or Moran) were a sub-sept
of Clan Colgan. The tuath of Mag L�ge is also noted here with its association
to the U� Failge septs of the U� Onchon and U� Cellaig.
Eglish or Fearcall - O Maolmhuaidh (O'Molloy) of the southern
U� Niall, prince of Fercall (Fir Cell).
Garrycastle - The ancient territory of the Delbna Ethra, represented in
later times by the Mac Cochlain (MacCoughlan) sept. They were lords of Ahra,
and chiefs of Delvin MacCoughlan. The Colgan family was also centered in this barony,
as was the MacUallachain (MacCuolahan) sept of Muintir Cionaetha. The O'Malone
sept is cited with early events involving Clonmacnoise Abbey in the northwest corner of this barony.
O Madagain or O Madadhain (O'Madagan or O'Madden) of the Clan Colla are given as chiefs
of S�l Anmchadha just west of here in the barony of Longford in Co. Galway.
Geashill - Roughly formed from the ancient Tuath G�isille of the
U� Failge septs of Leinster. As Lord of Clanmaliere the O'Dempsey held part of this
barony, where the main castle of the clan was located. The � hAimherigin
(O'Bergin) sept are noted as chiefs in this barony in medieval times.
Kilcoursey - The Sinnach (later Fox) O'Catharniagh (O'Carney)
clan were chiefs in this territory, referred to as Muinter Tadgain, which also
included Clonlonan barony in Westmeath. O'Carney (Kearney), princes of
Teffia (Westmeath), are of this branch. The MacAuley sept are also cited as
holding a portion of this barony.
Philipstown (Lower) - Roughly formed from the ancient tuaths; Tuath R�tha Droma
and Tuath Cruach�in of the U� Failge (O'Connor Faly). O'Hennessy alongside
O'Houlihan are cited here as chiefs of Clan Colgan, near the hill of Croghan.
Philipstown (Upper) - as Lords of Clanmaliere the O'Dempsey held
part of this barony, which was roughly formed from the tuath, Ferann Clainne
Diarmata.
Warrenstown - Roughly formed from the tuath, Tuath Muighe Cloinne
Cholgain, indicating a relationship to the O'Hennessy and O'Holihans. The
Cr�ch na C�tach (O'Fallon) and the Clann M�el Ch�in are noted people early to this area.
Tuath Muighe (aka Tuath d� Maige, or Tethmoy) was a ancient district which comprised the modern baronies of Warrenstown and the
northern part of Coolestown. The Berminghams were early Anglo-Norman grantees of Tethmoy.
Misc - Mac Gilfoyle is described as chief of Clan Conliagan (Quilivan).
The anglo-Norman de Bermingham family was established at Tethmoy by the mid 13th
century. That part of the modern county incorporating the baronies of Ballycowan, Ballyboy and Eglish was
formerly part of the kingdom of Meath as granted to Hugh de Lacy by Henry II. The
medieval cantred of Ardnurcher (Ath-an-urchair) consisted of the Irish territories of Fear Ceall (in Offaly) and Cineal Fiachach (in Westmeath).
