BARONIES OF IRELAND

County Antrim [16 baronies, including Belfast City]

  • All - Ancient inhabitants were a Celtic people called the Darnii, or Darini. In ancient divisions the south and south-western parts were included in the territory of Dalaradiae, or Ulidia, and the rest was designated Dalrieda. This included the ancient tribes of the Dal nAriade of lower county Antrim, the Dal Riada of upper Antrim (and of Scotland), and a people referred to under the ancient name of Cruithne. The McDonlevys ruled as a royal family of Ulidia, part of southern Antrim, for many centuries. The O'Lynchs were early medieval chiefs of Dal Riada. In late medieval times it was divided into three parts: northern Clandeboy, the Glynnes and the Route. The MacQuillans, a Cambro-Norman sept became powerful in the Route in the 13th century. A branch of the Tyrone O'Neills migrated to Antrim in the 14th century and became powerful in Clandeboy. The MacDonnells, a Scottish sept, became powerful in the Glynnes in the 15th century.
  • Antrim (Lower) - Settled by the O'Flynns (later O'Lynn) of Ui Tuirtre by the 12th century, and later formed part of the territory called the Lower Clandeboy. O'Hood is cited here as hereditary bards of the O'Neill of Clandeboy.
  • Antrim (Upper) - formed part of the territory called Lower Clandeboy. O'Keevan is cited as a chief of Moy Linny, a district in the barony of Antrim.
  • Belfast - formed part of the territory called Lower Clandeboy, held by the O'Neills of Clannaboy (Clannabuidhe).
  • Belfast (Lower) - formed part of the territory called Lower Clandeboy. Island Magee, the large isthmus on the southeast coast of Antirm is named for the Scotch-Irish clan of MacGee.
  • Belfast (Upper) - formed part of the territory called Lower Clandeboy. The Scottish MacCalmont family of clan Buchanan are noted near here in the 17th century.
  • Carrickfergus - formed part of the territory called Lower Clandeboy.
  • Cary - part of this barony formed part of the territory called the Glynnes (Glens). The O'Quinn sept has long been associated with the Glens of Antrim. The MacDonnell (MacDonald) sept from Scotland was firmly established here and in Lower Glenarm by the mid-15th century. A sept of the O'Haras migrated here in late medieval times.
  • Dunluce (Lower) - formed part of the territory called the Route, held by the Mac Quillan sept, Lords of the Route, and styled as princes of Dal Riada, following the 12th century incursion of the Cambro-Normans.
  • Dunluce (Upper) - formed part of the territory called the Route, a contracted form of Dal Riata, held by the Mac Quillan sept following the 12th century.
  • Glenarm (Lower) - Settled by the O'Flynns (later O'Lynn) of Ui Tuirtre by the 12th century, and later formed part of the territory called the Glynnes. The Scottish MacKeown (Mac Eoin) clan, originally said to be called Bissett, settled in the Glens about the 13th century. The O'Quinns, MacGees and MacAlisters are found in the Glens of Antrim.
  • Glenarm (Upper) - formed part of the territory called the Glynnes.
  • Kilconway - Settled by the O'Flynns (later O'Lynn) of Ui Tuirtre by the 12th century, and later formed part of the territory called the Route, held by the Mac Quillan sept, Lords of the Route, following the 12th century. A Scottish gallowglass sept named MacNeill may have arrived soon after this time to establish themselves as chiefs in this area.
  • Massereene (Lower) - formed part of the territory called Lower Clandeboy. The O'Lynns (O'Floinn) are noted as chiefs of Lough Neagh centered here at the time of the Norman invasion. The O'Heirc (Erke) served as chiefs in this barony.
  • Massereene (Upper) - formed part of the territory called Lower Clandeboy. The O'Heirc (Erke) sept served as chiefs here. The O'Credan clan were chiefs of the parish of Magheramisk.
  • Toome (Lower) - Settled by the O'Flynns (later O'Lynn) of Ui Tuirtre by the 12th century, and later formed part of the territory called the Route, to the north of Lough Neagh.
  • Toome (Upper) - formed part of the territory called the Route, to the north of Lough Neagh.
  • Misc - The MacDonnells (MacDonald) were a gallowglass family arriving in the 13th century and by the 16th century taking the lands of the MacQuillans. The MacAlisters were a Scottish sept with Irish Gaelic origin back to Colla Uais, the eldest of the three Collas.

County Armagh [8 baronies]

  • All - Anciently claimed to be held by the Voluntii, or the Uladh, before the 4th century AD. Much of Armagh was anciently held by the Clan Colla who were kings of an extended territory known as Orgial (Airghialla or Oriel) from the 4th to the 12th centuries. Armagh was shired as a county in 1586, and has long been known as an ecclesiastic center in Ireland. Chief Irish septs in a large part of this area came under the watch of the O'Neills, MacCanns and O'Hanlons.
  • Armagh - The ancient site of Emain Macha (Navan Fort), noted center of the kings of Uladh (Ulster), is located outside the city of Armagh. An Oriel sept of O'Rogan is cited in Armagh prior to the 13th century.
  • Fews (Lower) - The O'Neill of the Fews were later overlords in this ancient Oriel territory.
  • Fews (Upper) - An Ua Lorcain (O'Larkin) sept is cited early as chiefs in the old territory of Orghialla, where they were chiefs of Farney and West Ui Breasail.
  • Oneilland East - An O Gairbith (O'Garvey) sept held sway here before the rise of the Mac Annadh (MacCann), lords of Clanbrassil.
  • Oneilland West - Mac Annadh (MacCann), lords of Clanbrassil. The name Oneilland possibly derives from the ancient territory of Úi Nialláin, of Clan Cernaich.
  • Orior (Lower) - O'hAnluain (O'Hanlon) were cited as chiefs of Ui Meith Tiri, an apparent district in Orior. The name Orior derives from the ancient territorial name of Airtheara (or Airthir), which is referred in the Annals from at least the 7th century. In the 12th century Ua Tuaithchair (O'Tougher) is mentioned in this district.
  • Orior (Upper) - O'hAnluain (O'Hanlon) were cited as chiefs of Ui Meith Tiri, an apparent district in Orior.
  • Tiranny - Ronaghan is cited as a principal family in the 17th century.
  • Misc - O Ceileachain (Kealaghan, O'Kelaghan, Callaghan) is given as former chiefs of Ui Breasail, a district on the southern shore of Lough Neagh. Barony Maps for Northern Ireland counties are located at PRONI.

County Cavan [8 baronies]

  • 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. The O'Reilly clan were dominant in Cavan beginning in the mid-13th century and their territory was Muinter Maoilmordha, later Breifne O'Reilly.
  • Castlerahan - A tribe of the Luigne are noted here in the 8th century.
  • Clankee - A tribe of the Gaileanga are noted here in the 8th century.
  • Clanmahon - The descendants of Thomas O'Reilly, chief of East Breifne, were Lords of Clanmahon in the 15th century. Their territory extended deep into the modern counties of Meath and Westmeath. The O'Sheridans are cited here serving under the Breffny O'Reillys.
  • Loughtee (Lower) - O'Farrelly served as eranaghs of Drumland Abbey.
  • Loughtee (Upper) - The MacGobhains (Mac Gowan) served as chiefs of the gallowglass under the O'Reillys. A Brady sept is also cited here.
  • Tullygarvey - Mac Gilduff is cited as a chief of Teallach Gairbheith (Tullygarvey). The O'Reilly clan held sway here and in much of the county. The MacTullys are given as chiefs in the parish of Drung.
  • Tullyhunco - The Mac Tiernan's were chiefs in the barony of Tullyhunco. Their territory was known as Teallach Dunchadha.
  • Tullyhaw - The Mac Gauran (Mac Govern) were chiefs in the barony of Tullaghagh (Tullyhaw). Their territory was known as Teallach Eachdhach and they were chiefs there from the 12th to the 16th century. The homeland of the O'Droma (Drum) family is cited near here in the parish of Kinawley, a parish which extends into southern Co. Fermanagh.
  • Misc - The Mac Bradys were a prominent clan in Breifne. They held jurisdiction over territory to the east of Cavan town.

County Derry [7 baronies]

  • All - Anciently inhabited by the Darini whose name may perpetuate in the name of the county. The Cianachta, whose leading sept was the O'Connors af Glengiven (Glinne-Geimhin) in the Roe Valley, had held their position for many centuries before the rise of the Ua Cathain beginning about 1138. Much of county Derry was then known as Tir Cahan, or Cathan-aght, signifying O'Kanes's country.
  • Coleraine - Anciently contained the territory of Feara Li. The O'Mullans were one of the chief septs under O'Cahan centered in the north of this barony. Coleraine was at one-time the name of the county (later, Derry and Londonderry).
  • Keenaght - The O'Connor of Glengiven (Dungiven) family here declined with the rise of the O'Kanes in the 12th century. O'Cathain (O'Cahan or Kane) were chiefs of Keenaght of Dungiven (Glengiven) centered here. The MacGilligans were one of the three chief septs under the O'Cahans, and MacGilligan's country was on the northern coast. O'Quinn is also cited as a chief of Moy Lugad, in Keenaght of Glengiven.
  • Liberties of Coleraine - O'Cathain (O'Cahan or Kane) were chiefs of Creeve centered near here.
  • Liberties of Londonderry - Anciently considered a portion of Magh Ithe, the Plain of Ith, an uncle of Milesius. The O'Deery sept were noted near here as erenaghs of Derry church, or Derry Columbkille. The northwest liberties of Londonderry, Templemore parish, extended into the county of Donegal until the year 1809.
  • Londonderry Borough - Anciently designated Doire-Calgaich, the oak wood of Calgach. About the 10th century this name gave way to Derry-Columbkill, after the abbey founded here by St. Columbkill. It later was nown simply as Derry, the prefix, London, being imposed in 1613.
  • Loughinsholin - Derived from for the "lough of the island of the O'Lynns" - who were originally O'Flynn, chiefs of Ui Tuirtre. O'Hegarty is found centered in this area, as well as in Tirkeeran. A MacGurk sept, of the Cenel Binnigh, was noted here near the parish of Magherafelt in medieval times. Other septs mentioned for this area at that time include O'Kelly, O'Corr, McRory, O'Mulhollan, O'Crilly (MacCrilly), O'Dimond, and McCracken. To the south, around Slieve Gallion, the O'Mellans once held territory referred to as "Mellanaght" (Mellan's Country).
  • Tirkeeran - The territories in the 12th century are given as Teallach Caghalain, Teallach Duibhailbe, Teallach Braenain. The O'Caireallain (O'Carolan) sept were chiefs of Clan Diarmada (which contained Clondermot parish). The MacCloskey sept, a branch of the O'Cahans, are noted here in medieval times. An O'Colgan (later MacColgan) was a chief in Tirkeeran in the 14th century. The sept of O'Mulvenna were hereditary ollavs to O'Cahan.
  • Misc - O'Quinn, O'Kenny, O'Heitigein, O'Gnives, O'Hairnin, O'Looney, O'Neny, MacShane and O'Tierney are listed as chiefs of Moy Ith which comprised parts of Raphoe and Tirkeeran.

County Donegal [8 baronies]

  • All - Inhabited anciently by the Vennicnii and the Rhobogdii according to Ptolemy, and later formed the northern part of Eircael (or Eargal) which extended into Co. Fermanagh. O'Cannnon (O'Canannain) were kings of Cinel Conaill here until the O'Donnells broke their power in the 13th century. The O'Donnells were descended from Conall Golban, and hence the territory attained the name Tyr Connell. The name of the county is derived from 'Dun na nGall' meaning fort of the foreigner because Donegal town was a Viking stronghold in the 9th century.
  • Banagh - The O'Gallaghers, of Cinel Boghaine, a senior branch of the Cineal Connaill, were noted here at an early time, with their original territory extending well into Raphoe and Tirhugh. The MacNelis (Mac Niallghuis), McGillespie (Mac Giolla Easpuig, erenaghs of Killybegs) and McRoarty (Mac Robhartaigh) septs are noted her. A branch of the Mac Sweeney galloglass were chiefs of Tir Beghani (or Tir Boghainne, a former name of this barony) following the Norman invasion.
  • Boylagh - The O'Boyles were early chiefs here. O'Mulligan is cited as chief of Tir Mac Caerthain which also included Raphoe barony. O'Duffy and O'Farren septs are also noted here. The McFaddens, McGonigles and McWards were located in east Boylagh. Tir Ainmirech is an early name for the barony.
  • Inishowen (East) - The most ancient name of the district in which this barony was situated was Moy Ith (Magh Ithe), the Plain of Ith, a district which comprehended the tract between Loughs Foyle and Swilly and extended as far south as the river Finn. Moy Ith was once divided into Inis-Owen and Tir Enda, named after two sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Previous to the 12th century Moy Ith was occupied by a branch of the Cenél Éoghain, called ClanConor, of which the most distinguished families were those of O'Cathan, O'Cairellan, O'Murry, O'Kennedy, O'Corran, O'Quin, and O'Dugan. ClanConor was driven across the river Foyle into Derry, their place taken by the Cenél Moen, another branch of the Cenél Éoghain, of whom the O'Gormleys and O'Loonys wer chiefs. Cenél Moen was in turn driven across the Foyle by the Cenél Connaill in the 15th century, of which the O'Donnells and O'Dohertys were a part.
    Extending from Raphoe, the O'Dohertys were lords of Inishowen peninsula. The McDevitts are offshoots of this family. Mac Duvaney were cited as chiefs of Cinel Enda (Nenna) within Inishowen. O'Harkans were cited as erenaghs of Clonca (Clonska). The O'Duibhdiorma (Dermond, Dermott,...) sept were chiefs of Breadach in Inishowen cited between the 11th and 15th centuries.
  • Inishowen (West) - Between the 9th and the 13th century the whole of Inishowen was divided into three sectors, Aileach, Bredach and Carraic Brachaidhe (Carraickabraghy) which is situated in the west of Inishowen. Extending from Raphoe, the O'Dohertys were lords of Inishowen peninsula. O'Dooyiorma (O'Dermond) is cited as a chief of Brenach in the parish of Moville. O'Donnelly is cited anciently as a chief in Inishowen. O'Mulhall (Mulfaal) and O'Hogain are cited as chiefs of Carrichbrack (Carrickbraghy) in this barony, in the territory of Tir Eogain. O'Shiel and McDever septs are noted here.
  • Kilmacrenan - The inaugaration site of the O'Donnell kings of Tyrconnell was at Carriag Dun. O'Breislein (O'Breslin) were chiefs of Fanad on the banks of Lough Swilly up to the 14th century before being diminished by the Mac Sweeneys (of Fanaid) . The O'Begley family was in the parish of Tulloghobegley, as was MacSweeny of Na d-Tuath. The O'Friel family were hereditary co-arbs of Kilmacrenan and inaugurated 'The O'Donnell' as the Lord of Tyrconnell. Other medieval septs include O'Kernaghan of Clondavaddog, McCoyle of Mevagh, O'Toner of Tullyfern, and O'Laherty (Laverty) who were lords of Aileach (Elagh). Clann Chinnfhaelaidh is noted in the far eastern portion of this barony.
  • Raphoe (North) - The MacLochlainns (MacLoughlin), a senior brnach of the northern Ui Neill, are noted here with much influence up to the 13th century. The O'Gormleys were chiefs of Cinel Moen (Raphoe barony) and were driven out by the O'Donnells in the 14th century. O'Cannon, ancient kings of Tir Connail, are noted near here in medieval times. O'Quinn along with O'Kenny (and others) are listed as chiefs of Moy Ith which comprised parts of Raphoe and Tirkeeran (see Derry). Septs of O'Brollaghan, O'Deeney, O'Toner O'Gallagher and O'Derry are mentioned in this area. The territory of Tir Enda (named for the Cinel Enna) is noted in this barony.
  • Raphoe (South) - The O'Gormleys were chiefs of Cinel Moen driven out by the O'Donnells in the 14th century. O'Mulligan is cited as lords of Tír MacCarthain which also included Boylagh barony. O'Pattan, McGlinchy and Mc Crossan septs are noted here by MacLysaght.
  • Tirhugh - The territory of O'Gallchobair (O'Gallagher) was centered here and in the barony of Raphoe. Mac Raith (MacGrath) were found here at Termon Magrath in the 12th century. O'Haedha (O'Hugh or Hayes) is given as chief of Esruadh (Ballyshannon). Other septs included MacDonlevy, MacNulty, O'Clery, MacWard, O'Lynch, and O'Mullhollan.
  • Misc - The Siol na Dallagh (O'Daly) were a branch of the O'Donnels who moved early to Connaught. MacLoingseachain (MacLynchy) is given as a chief of Gleann Binne, a clan of Tir Conaill in the 12th century. The DeLapp family were styled Lord of Cenel Enda prior to the 12th century. The O'Dullaghan served as chiefs of the Tuath Bladhadh. O'Maolgaothe (MacGhee) is cited in the 12th century as chief of Muintir Maoilgaoithe. MacTighernain or MacTernon is given as a chief of Clan Fearghiole in Co. Donegal.

County Down [14 baronies]

  • All - Cited by Ptolemy to be anciently inhabited by the Uluntii, it was early referred to as Ulagh or Ulidia, being part of the early territory of the Dal Fiatach, Dal Araide and Ui Eatach Cobha. By the 12th century the principal families were O'Neill, MacGennis, MacCartan, Kelly and MacGilmore.
  • Ards (Lower) - An O'Neill sept is cited here.
  • Ards (Upper) - Very early the MacGillmores possessed the district of the Ards. Savage is cited here following the incursions of de Courcy in he late 12th century.
  • Castlereagh (Lower) - The Gilmores were later centered here. A O'Mulcreevy sept is cited here, as well as near Newry.
  • Castlereagh (Upper) - The O'Murrys (McIlmurray) were located here.
  • Dufferin - Mac Artain (MacCartan), chiefs of Kinel Fagartaigh. The O'Lowrys are cited here early. Later the Blackwood family were barons of Dufferin.
  • Iveagh (Lower-Lower Half) - Iveagh was anciently part of the territory of the Ui Eatach Cobha. MagAonghusa (Magennis or McGuinness), lords of Iveagh. O'Haedha (O'Hugh) is given as chief of Fernmoy centered in the barony of Lower Iveagh.
  • Iveagh (Lower-Upper Half) - The Oriel sept of O'Rogan is cited in Iveagh prior to the 13th century, as well as the O'Rooneys, O'Hanvys and O'Devaneys. The O'Lavery sept, originally of northeast Ulster are found her in medieval times near Moira.
  • Iveagh (Upper-Lower Half) - MagAonghusa (Magennis or McGuinness), lords of Iveagh. O'Rooney is cited here early. Mac Giolla Epscoip (Mac Gillespie) was chief of Clann Aeilabhra, legislator of Cath Monaigh, located somewhere in the barony of Iveagh up to the 12th century.
  • Iveagh (Upper-Upper Half) - MagAonghusa (Magennis or McGuinness), lords of Iveagh, or 'Magennis's Country'. O'Gowan is cited here as noted in the name Ballygowan.
  • Kinelearty - Mac Artain (MacCartan), chiefs of Kinel Fagartaigh, or 'MacArtan's Country'.
  • Lecale (Lower) - The O'Colter (Coulter) sept is noted here in medieval times.
  • Lecale (Upper) - The MacDunslevy (Dunleavy) family were noted here as lords of Ulidia. The Russell family dates back to the 12th century at Downpatrick.
  • Lordship of Newry - Septs cited in this area in medieval times included Haughey, O'Mulcreevy, and McAlinden. The Haughey, or O'Hoey, chiefs were included as Kings of Ulster (O hEochaidh) prior to the Norman invasion.
  • Mourne - O'Machoiden (MacCadden), chief of Mughdorn, or Mourne.
  • Misc - MacDunvany was a chief of Clanawley in Co. Down, their territory referred to as Ui Mughroin or Cinel Amalgaidh. O'Laichnain (Loughnane) is desribed as chief of Modbarn Beag (Little Mourne) and cited as chiefs of the Dalriada. The Mac Donlevys were a chief family in Down and southern Antrim, descended from Kings of Uladh, until the Normans arrived in 1177. O'Ainbith (Hanvey) is cited as chief of Ui Eachach Coba in the barony of Iveagh.

County Fermanagh [8 baronies]

  • All - Anciently inhabited by the Erdini according to Ptolemy, or by the Naganate according to Whitaker. In early days the county was divided into two portions; one called Targoll, the ancient seat of the Facmonii and of the Macmaniim, or the MacManuses; and the other named Rosgoll, occupied by the Guarii or Guirii, from whom the MacGuires derive their name. The most prominent clan in Fermanagh prior to the Maguire ascendancy was the Clann Lugain made up of the Ó hEignigh, Ó Maolruanaidh and Ó Dubhdara families. The Maguire were chiefs here from the 13th to the mid-17th centuries, and Fermanagh has been cited as 'Maguires country'.
  • Clanawley - this barony named in honor of clan MacAuley (MacAwley), a branch of the Maguires. The homeland of the O'Droma (Drum) family is cited near here in the parish of Kinawley, a parish which extends into northern Co. Cavan.
  • Clankelly - Named for sept of the Clann Cheallaigh (e.g. Mac Domhnaill or Mac Donnell). O'Cannon, ousted as kings of Cinel Conaill in the 13th century, settled here for a time here.
  • Coole - O'Caiside (O'Cassidy) is sited as Chief of Coole.
  • Knockninny - A MacManus sept (of Clan Maguire) was centered here prior to the 1400s. It was noted as an early Maguire stronghold. The barony is named for hill of St. Ninnidh on the southern shore of Upper Loch Erne
  • Lurg - the Monaghan sept were said to be of the original inhabitants of the area, the Fir Manach, the namesake for Fermanagh. The O'Muldoons were chiefs here. The MacEntaggarts were said to be originally from here. The Mac Tullys (Muintir Tiathligh) are cited as chiefs of Lough Lir near here.
  • Magheraboy - In the 8th century this area was known as Cenel Enda. The O'Flanagan are also given as a chief of Tuath Ratha in this barony.
  • Magherastephana - Mac Caffrey of the Maguire clan centered at Ballymacaffry.
  • Tirkennedy - named for the sept of Fergus Cennfhota (e.g. MacMaster and Masterson). The O'Devine family ruled as Lords of Tirkennedy before the power of the Maguires. The MacManus family were hereditary supervisors of the fisheries under MacGuire here.
  • Misc - The O'Bannion from Lower Ormonde were later in Co. Fermanagh. Mac Giolla Fhinnein were chiefs of Muintir Pheodachain and held the kingship of Fir Manach for a time. O'Dubhdara (O'Darrah) is cited as a chief of Oirghialla. The O'Maolruanaigh (Mulrooney) clan held great power here before the rise of the Maguires.

County Monaghan [5 baronies]

  • 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 (Crích 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 Tyrone [8 baronies]

  • All - Ancient inhabitants were ascribed to the Scoti or the Erdini. Airgialla tribes such as the Ui Cremthainn were overlords in some of this territory prior to the arrival of the northern Ui Neill. By the 6th century the area become part of Cineal Eoghain, later referred to as Tir Eoghan (Owen), where the Ui Neill dynasty of Kings and lords were centered.
  • Clogher - The territory of Cinel Feradhaigh is noted here with Clann Cathmaoil, the MacCawells (later Caulfield? or Campbell), cited with patrimonial inheritance. The forbears of the MacGiolla Mahrtain (Gilmartin) were chiefs in the barony of Clogher.
  • Dungannon (Lower) - The O'Devlin family served as Lords of Muintir Devlin.
  • Dungannon (Middle) - The O'Donnelly seat of power was located here at Ballydonelly castle, later called Castle Caulfield.
  • Dungannon (Upper) - The stone chair used to proclaim the O'Neill princes was here. The O'hAodhagain (O'Hagan) sept, inaugurators of the O'Neill kings of Ulster were centered here as a chief in Tulachog in the parish of Desertcreat. An O'Kelly was chief of Cineal Eachaidh or Corca Eachaidh, probably "Corcaghee," in the barony of Dungannon.
  • Omagh (East) - The McGuirk family is cited as eranaghs in the parish of Termonmaguirk.
  • Omagh (West) - An O'Corry sept is noted here.
  • Strabane (Lower) - The territory of the O'Gormley's extended into the west of this barony.
  • Strabane (Upper) - O'Donegan or Dongan, MacMurchadh or MacMorough, O'Farrell or Freel, and MacRory or MacRogers, chiefs of Tealach Ainbith and of Muintir Birn, districts in the baronies of Dungannon and Strabane. Part of O'Cahan's country extended into this barony. An O'Lunney sept is also noted here.
  • Misc - O'Connellan, chief of Crioch Tullach. O'Cooney, along with O'Bailey are cited as chief of Clan Fergus among the clans of Tir Eoghan. O'Meallain is cited as chiefs of Siol Aodha-Eanaigh in the 12th century, their lands known as O'Mellon's country. The O'hInneirghe (O'Henery or O'Henry) sept was noted as chiefs of Cullentra in Co. Tyrone whose territory at one time extended to the valley of Glenconkeine in Co. Derry. The MacRuaidhrí (e.g. MacCreery, McRory) family were anciently styled chiefs of Tellach Ainbhith & Muintir Birn. O'Duvany, Oh-Aghmaill or O'Hamil, and O'Heitigen or Magettigan, chiefs of three districts called Teallach Cathalain, Teallach Duibhbrailbe, and Tealach Braenain.

Timeline © copyright Dennis Walsh & Ireland's History in Maps

BACK TO MAIN PAGE