|
THE
BRENNAN FAMILY HISTORY WEBSITE The Baronies of County Laois |
|
THE BRENNAN FAMILY HISTORY WEBSITE
The Baronies of County Laois
Anciently inhabited by the Brigantes. O'More (O'Moore) was the leading sept at the coming of the Norman's. Their territory was the Ui Laoighis. Fitzpatrick ruled the three south-western baronies as King of Ossory at that time. The seven sept's of Laois included the O'Moore (O'More), O'Kelly, O'Devoy, O'Doran, O'Lalor, O'Dowling and McEvoy. The seven tribes (settlers) of Laois were Cosby, Barrington, Hartpole, Bowen, Ruish, Hetherington, and Hovenden (or Ovington).
- | Ballyadams | Clandonagh | Clarmallagh | Cullenagh | | Maryborough (East) | Maryborough (West) | Portnahinch | Slievemargy | Stradbally | Tinnahinch | Upper Woods |
Ballyadams - Very early this area was home to an Ui Buide sept, which became known under the surname O'Kealy. When marcher lordships were set-up here in the late 12th century, the area was part of the cantered of Oboy (Ui Buide). It was later included in the O'More territory of Ui Laoighis during the Gaelic revival of the 14th century.
Clandonagh - Once included as the territory of Upper Ossory where the Mac Giolla Ph1draig (Fitzpatrick) were Kings and Earls. The Ui Duach as well as a small sept of the Ui Dega are noted here in early centuries.
Clarmallagh - Once included as the territory of Upper Ossory where the Mac Giolla Phadraig (Fitzpatrick) were Kings and Earls.
Cullenagh - included in the O'More territory of Ui Laoighis.
Maryborough (East) - This area was included in the O'More territory of Ui Laoighis. O'Lawlor or Lalor, one of the 7 sept's, is also cited here.
Maryborough (West) - The ancient home of the Loigis, or Laoighis, for which the county is subsequently named. This area was a centre for the O'More's of Ui Laoighis. The O'Devoys or Deeveys, one of the 7 sept's of Leix, were styled Lord of Creamhthainn (i.e. Maryborough) in the 11th century.
Portnahinch - As Lords of Clanmaliere (or Clann Maelugra) the O'Dempseys held part of this barony. The Ui Celliag (O'Kellys) and Ui Onchon are also noted here, along with the territory referred to as Tuath.
Slievemargy - part of the ancient O'Gorman (MacGorman) territory of the Ui Bairrche before the coming of the Norman's. It was at one time included in the O'More territory of Ui Laoighis. O'Treasaigh (O'Tracy) is cited here as Lords of Slievemargy.
Stradbally - included in the O'More territory of Ui Laoighis. O'Dubhuidhe (O'Devoy) is cited as chief of Ui Crimthainn in near here. The O'Lalors along with the MacEvoys were chiefs here.
Tinnahinch - The O'Regan and the O'Dunne sept's were chiefs of Ui Riagan (Iregan) here. The area marked by the River Barrow was referred to as O'Dowlings country.
Upper Woods - The hUrachn (Horahan or Hourihan) of Ui Fairchellain are noted early here. The area was included in the territory of Upper Ossory where the Mac Giolla Phadraig (Fitzpatrick) were chiefs. This was part of O'Delaney country as they were noted as chief of Tuath-an-Toraidh, "from the delightful Coill Oughteragh".
Misc - Upper Ossory - Mac Giol la Phadraig (Fitzpatrick) were lords of Upper Ossory. In ancient times they were chief in parts of south Laois and all of Kilkenny. The O'Kellys in Laois are connected with the territory of Leighe, Gallen and Magh Druchtain. The MacEvoys were centered in Mountrath and Raheen parishes.
Poor Law Union Map Please report any images or links which do not open to mjbrennan30@gmail.com
- The information contained in these pages is provided solely for the purpose of sharing with others researching their ancestors in Ireland.
- © MICHAEL BRENNAN July 2001-All rights reserved
