In my previous essay, “The Early Irish Church and Iar
Connacht”, I limited my focus on the evangelization to the territory of Iar
Connacht that fell under at least the titular reign of the O’Flahertys, and in
listing ancient and medieval abbeys and churches I did so by the modern
baronies and parishes which fall in that area.
I also included churches and abbeys founded in medieval and early modern
times until the suppression.
Here, I am limiting the institutions to those established
prior to the reforms of the 12th century but am expanding the scope
to include all of the whole geographic territory of West Connacht at its
broadest. I have also revised the former
essay by adding the abbeys and churches of the expanded region by barony and
parish.
*****
Because of the family’s influence and importance (and partly
because of a book written in the 17th century by Roderick
O’Flaherty), Iar Connacht has long been defined in terms of the territories
over which The O’Flaherty reigned as king by that title. Some include the family’s territories on the
east side of Loch Orbsen as well as their better known lands on the west side,
others do not.
Although generally identified with that family, the term Iar
Connacht was used in the annals long before the branch of the Ui Briuin
ancestral to the O’Flaherty even rose.
Its first use was in reference to the Fir Umhall later ruled by the
O’Malleys. It is often mistakenly
equated with the term Connemara, which is actually just the westernmost
portion, the barony of Ballynahinch, home of the Conmaicne Mara.
In the passages below, the title “chief” refers to “chief of
name”. Under the Book of Rights and
Privileges, all the tribes listed, with the exception of the Meadhraighe, were
free tribes whose heads were regarded as kings.
The part of ancient Irish law known as the Book of the Rights and Privileges of Kings
spells out the tributes paid upward, the stipends paid downward, and other
matters of protocol divided all the tribes of Ireland into three categories: (1)
Saortuatha, or free non-tribute-paying tribes; (2) Fortuatha, or free
tribute-paying tribes; and (3) Aithechtuatha, or nonfree, tribute-paying
tribes.
The list below is divided into tribes in their approximate
location as of the 11th century.
Abbeys and churches for each are listed separately. Immediately below the name of each
institution is, or rather was, its location by townland, parish, barony, county.
(map by Ben McGarr, used by permission)
Meadhraighe
Once ruling an area covering the parish of Ballynacourty and
part of the parish of Claregalway, this people would be counted as one of the
Aithechtuatha by the Book of Rights had they been numerous enough to have even
been mentioned. After the settlement of
the Clan Fearghail, they were reduced to Ballynacourty. Their chiefs, whose ancestors were never
higher than Taoiseach, were the MacCarneys and MacGowans, subject to Muintir
Murchada until those were expelled west of Loch Orbsen in the 13th
century, after which they were subject to the Clanrickard Burkes.
At the beginning of Ireland’s Christian era, the Meadhraighe
controlled nearly four times the territory of tiny Ballynacourty. By the 11th century though, all of
these territories, represented by the four other small parishes, were lost to
the Ui Fiachrach Aidne.
Abbey:
Early Monastery
Ballynamanagh
East, Ballynacourty, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Kilcolgan Monastery
Kilcolgan,
Kilcolgan, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Churches:
Cill Colgan (St.
Colgan’s Church)
Ballynacourty,
Ballynacourty, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Caimin (St.
Caimin’s Church)
Kilcaimin,
Ballynacourty, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Early Church
Creggana
More, Ballynacourty, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Chornain (St.
Cronan’s Church)
Stradbally,
Stradbally, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Early Church
Strabally
South, Stradbally, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Assurnidhe (St.
Soarney’s Church)
Drumacoo,
Drumacoo, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Cholgain (St.
Colgan’s Church)
Kilcolgan,
Kilcolgan, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill In (Little Church)
Killeenmunsterlane
West, Kilcolgan, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Tighearnain (St.
Tieranan’s Church)
Kilterinan
East, Kilcolgan, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Fhiolan (St.
Fiolan’s Church)
Killeelymore,
Killeely, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Clan Fearghaill
Iar Connacht’s primary legacy from the Viking Wars, the Clan
Fearghail were settled between the Meadhraighe and the Delbhna Cuile Fabhair by
the local overlords of the lands east of Loch Orbsen, the Muintir
Murchada. Eventually they rose to be
their right-hand. Had they been in the
region at the time, the Book of Rights might have classed them as Aithechtuatha,
but they were treated as Fortuatha by the Muintir Murchada. Their chiefs became the O’Hallorans, who
after the expulsions of the 13th century lived in the former
territory of the Delbhna Tir Da Locha alongside their overlords, the
O’Flahertys.
Abbey:
Kilpatrick Monastery
Roscam,
Oranmore, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Churches:
Cill Padraig (St.
Patrick’s Church)
Oranmore,
Oranmore, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Barra (St.
Finbarra’s Church)
Oranmore,
Oranmore, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Padraig(St. Patrick’s
Church)
Roscam,
Oranmore, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill In (Little Church)
Killeen,
Oranmore, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Cill Tullach (Church
of the Hill)
Killtullagh,
Oranmore, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Early Church
Oranbeg,
Oranmore, Dunkellin, Co. Galway
Early Church
Castlegar,
Galway, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Early Chapel
Castlegar,
Galway, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Delbhna Cuile Fabhair
A fortuatha-class tribe onnce part of a single large
population dominating central Ireland, this group at the dawn of the Christian
era in Ireland ruled the lands east of Loch Orbsen known as Magh Seola. They were conquered by a branch of the Ui
Briuin in the 8th century and pushed south into what are now the
parishes of Claregalway and Oranmore.
During the Viking Wars, the Muintir Murchada settled the Clan Fearghail
between them and the Meadhraighe, reducing them to part of Claregalway. Though subject to Muintir Murchada, they were
still acknowledged as king in their own right be their overlords as late as the
11th century. After the
expulsions of the 13th century, most remained where they were,
subject to the Clanrickard Burkes, while others spread south into Aidne
All of the ecclesiastical institutions listed here under the
Muintir Murchada and the tribes subject to them once belonged to this tribe.
Abbey:
Kilmacduagh Monastery
Claregalway,
Claregalway, Clare, Co. Galway
Churches:
Cill Mac Duagh (St.
Mac Duagh’s Church)
Claregalway,
Claregalway, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Trog (St. Trog’s
Church)
Kiltroge, Claregalway,
Clare, Co. Galway
Ui Briuin Ratha
Though these were a saortuatha-class tribe under Irish law,
they were still subject to the Muintir Murchada the same way as their Ui Briuin
Seola cousins, making up the eastern portion of the latter’s kingdom and
bordering Tir Soghain, a subject kingdom of Ui Maine. Their chiefs became the O’Dalys. After the expulsions of the 13th
century, they were subject to the Anglo-Norman Clanrickard Burkes.
Churches:
Teampull Colmcille (St.
Colmcille’s Church)
Lackaghbeg,
Lackagh, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Sciach (Church of
the Thorns)
Rathfee,
Lackagh, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Cathail (St.
Cathal’s Church)
Kilcahill,
Annaghdown, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Suibhne (St.
Suibhne’s Church)
Grange,
Lackagh, Clare, Co. Galway
Muintir Murchada
Originally referred to as the southern Ui Briuin, these were
the leading sept of the Ui Briuin Seola that conquered the area bordering the
east of Loch Orbsen. The name Muintir
Murchada derives from one of their more prominent ancestors. At their height, before the expulsion of the
13th century, they dominated the Conmaicne Cuile Tolad (and through
them the various branches of the Partraige), the cadet branches of Ui Briuin
Seola, the Ui Briuin Ratha, the Debhna Cuile Fabhair, the Clan Fearghail, and
the Meadhraighe. Their chiefs became the
O’Flahertys, in Iar Connacht west of Loch Orbsen to which they were expelled in
the 13th century. They
apparently managed to recover some of their former territory because the 14th
century Annaghdown Castle east of Loch Orbsen is attributed to them.
West of Loch Orbsen, the O’Flahertys divided into two main
branches, the senior taking up residence in the territory formerly held by the
Conmaicne Mara and the junior in the former territory of the Delbhna Tir Da
Locha. The western O’Flahertys spawned
two branches and three septs, the eastern O’Flahertys into senior and junior
branches of their own based in Gnomore and Gnobeg.
Abbeys:
St. Fursey's Abbey
Ower,
Killursa, Clare, Co. Galway
Rathmath Abbey
Inchiquin Island, Loch Orbsen,
Killursa, Clare, Co. Galway
Donaghpatrick Monastery
Abbeytown,
Donaghpatrick, Clare, Co. Galway
Early Monastery
Killamanagh,
Donaghpatrick, Clare, Co. Galway
Kilcoona Abbey
Kilcoona,
Kilcoona, Clare, Co. Galway
Kilcolman Monastery
Currylaur,
Cummer, Clare, Co. Galway
Deerpark Monastery
Deerpark,
Kilkilvery, Clare, Co. Galway
St. Catald's Abbey
St. Catald's Abbey
St. Cathald’s
Abbey, Kilcahill
Churches:
Teampull Colmcille (St.
Colmcille’s Church)
Lackaghbeg,
Lackagh, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Sciach (Church of
the Thorns)
Rathfee,
Lackagh, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Mhic Reanain (Church
of the Sons of Renan)
Currylaur,
Cummer, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Cholmain (St. Colman’s
Church)
Glebe, Cummer,
Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Choiribh (St.
Corb’s Church)
Kilcurrivard,
Cummer, Clare, Co. Galway
Early Church
Cloonkeen
South, Cummer, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Leabhair (Church of the Book)
Killower,
Killower, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Padraig (St. Patrick’s
Church)
Claretuam,
Belclare, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Taoisc (St.
Taoisc’s Church)
Carheens,
Belclare, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill In (Little Church)
Treanbaun,
Belclare, Clare, Co. Galway
Domhnach Padraig (St.
Patrick’s Church), aka Domnach Mor
Seola (Great Church of Seola )
Donaghpatrick,
Donaghpatrick, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Mhulthain (Multhan’s
Church)
Killwullaun,
Donaghpatrick, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Druim (Church of
the Hill), aka Cill na Caoilan (St.
Coelan’s Church)
Kildrum,
Donaghpatrick, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Cilbhire (St. Kilvery’s Church)
Deerpark,
Kilkilvery, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Da Righ (Church
of the Two Kings), aka Cill Fhursa (St. Fursey’s Church)
Ower,
Killursa, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Da Righ (Church
of the Two Kings)
Crossaun,
Killursa, Clare, Co. Galway
Early Church
Carrownacrow,
Killursa, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Cronain (St.
Cronan’s Church)
Annaghkeen,
Killursa, Clare, Co. Galway
Rathhindile Church
Cargin,
Cargin, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Einne (St. Enda’s
Church)
Cloghanower,
Killeany, Clare, Co. Galway
Early Church
Keekill,
Killeany, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Cuana (St.
Cuana’s Church)
Kilcoona,
Kilcoona, Clare, Co. Galway
Ui Briuin Seola
The parent tribe of its later overlords, the Muintir
Murchada, and as a recognized branch of the Ui Briuin a saortuatha-class tribe,
these were nonetheless subject to the Muintir Murchada, the same way the Ui
Briuin Ai were subject to the Sil Murray.
Their chiefs became the O’Lees, referred to as princes of Ui Briuin
Seola by their overlords as well as being erenaghs of Annaghdown. After the expulsions of the 13th
century, they took up residence along the western shores of Loch Orbsen.
Abbeys:
Annaghdown Abbey
Annaghdown,
Annaghdown, Clare, Co. Galway
St. Briga’s Convent
Annaghdown,
Annaghdown, Clare, Co. Galway
Early Convent
Garrymore,
Annaghdown, Clare, Co. Galway
Churches:
Cill Uilliam (St.
William’s Church)
Grange,
Annaghdown, Clare, Co. Galway
Cill Ghill (White
Church)
Kilgill,
Annaghdown, Clare, Co. Galway
Early Church
Cregg,
Annaghdown, Clare, Co. Galway
Tribes of Galway
The Tribes of (the Town of) Galway were all of Anglo- and
Cambro-Norman origin, except one, the Kirwans, who were Irish. The fourteen families referred to as such
were the oligarchs who ruled the Town of Galway, at first under the Clanrickard
Burkes, then as an independent royal burgh.
The Tribes had almost no interaction with their neighbors and even the Joyces
of Galway had as little as possible to do with their cousins outside the
walls. In fact, they spoke English and
followed English laws, so were never really part of Iar Connacht, even if they
were there geographically.
Their first major intervention came when the O’Flahertys of
Iar Connacht expelled the Mac Teige O’Briens from the Aran Islands in
1582. They then petitioned Queen
Elizabeth to restore their trading partners, to no avail. The next came during the Confederation War
against the Commonwealth, when they joined the rebels and ultimately lost
everything in the city, though many were given lands of the O’Flahertys to the
west.
The Tribes of Galway were:
Athys, Blakes, Bodkins, Brownes, D’Arcys, Deanes, Ffonts, Ffrenchs,
Joyces, Kirwans, Lynchs (Anglo-Norman), Martins, Morrises, and Skerrits.
Since it became a town only in the 13th century
after its establishment by Richard de Burgo, and because of the wholly alien
culture of its inhabitants, its churches don’t really belong in this list.
Delbhna Tir Da Locha
Like their cousins, the Delbhna Cuile Fabhair, these were
once part of the tribe dominant in central Ireland later classed as fortuatha. They held their territory between Loch Orbsen
on the east and Kilkieran Bay on the west for over a millennium, until pushed
out by the O’Flahertys and O’Hallorans. Their chiefs were the MacConroys, kings of Delbhna Tir Da Locha and erenaghs of Portnacarron. Other prominent clans were the O’Heaneys, erenaghs of Ballynspiddal and the MacAneaves, erenaghs of Cloghmore.
After the arrival of the O’Flahertys and their retainers,
the O’Hallorans and O’Lees, the MacConroys mostly relocated west to the area
between Mannin and Streamstown Bays which came to be called Ballymaconry,
though some sailed southeast to establish Ballyconry on the coast of the lands
of the mainland Corco Mruad. The
O’Heaneys moved to the Renvyle Peninsula, where they lived for a few decades
before moving again, this time east of Loch Orbsen to live as loyal subject of
the Clanrickard Burkes in Claregalway next to their ancient cousins, the Muintir
Fathairtaigh, or O’Fahertys of Delbhna Cuile Fabhair.
Abbeys:
St. Cuimin’s Abbey
Portnacarron,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Ballynspiddal Abbey
Ballynspiddal,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cloghmore Abbey
Cloghmore,
Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
St. Anhin’s Convent
Inishmacatreer Island,
Loch Orbsen, Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
St. Coelan’s Monastery
Inishgarraunmore
Island, Loch Orbsen, Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
St. Brecan’s Monastery
Killbrickan,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
St. Mocan’s Abbey
Barraderry, Killinkelly, Moycullen,
Co. Galway
St. Kelly’s Abbey
Maumeen,
Gorumna Island, Killinkelly, Moycullen,
Co. Galway
Churches:
Cill Mochuda (St.
Mochua’s Church)
Barna,
Rahoon, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Corcaighe (St. Corkey’s Church)
Kilcorkey, Rahoon, Moycullen,
Co. Galway
Cill In (Little Church)
Killeen, Rahoon, Moycullen,
Co. Galway
Early Chapel
Kentfield,
Rahoon, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Einne (St. Enda’s
Church)
Moycullen,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Einne (St. Enda’s
Church)
Ballynspiddal,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Tempull Beg na Naomh (Little
Church of the Saint)
Clooniff,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Teampull Einne (St. Enda’s
Church)
Killagoola,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill a’ Ghuala (Church
on the Shoulder of the Hill)
Killagoola,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Caillin (St.
Callin’s Church)
Dovepark, Moycullen,
Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Clogain (Church
of the Little Hill)
Kilcloggaun,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Cuana (St.
Cuana’s Church)
Callownamuck,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Early Church
Corcullen,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Early Chapel
Rushveala,
Moycullen, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Anhin (St.
Anhin’s Church)
Killanin,
Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Teampull Colmcille (St.
Colmcille’s Church)
Banraghbaun
South, Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Teampull Beg na Naomh (Little
Church of the Saint) aka Cill Briocan (St.
Brecan’s Church)
Killanin,
Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill a’ Ruin (Church
of the Secret) aka Cill Croine (St. Croine’s Church)
Laghtgannon,
Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill a’ Ghoill
Craibhthigh (Church of the Pious
Foreigner)
Killaguile,
Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Teampull Briocan (St.
Brecan’s Church)
Rosscahill
East, Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Ola (St. Ola’s
Church)
Killola Killannin,
Moycullen, Co. Galway
Early Church
Cartron,
Killannin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Cuimin (St.
Cuimin’s Church)
Lemonfield,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill a’ Righ (Church
of the King)
Knockillaree,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Caolain (St.
Coelan’s Church)
Inishgarraunmore
Island, Loch Orbsen, Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill
Flannain (St. Flannan’s Church)
Inishlannaun Island, Loch Orbsen,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. GalwayCill Chuithbeirt (St. Cuthbert’s Church)
Curraghrevagh,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Caillin (St.
Callin’s Church)
Killcallin,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Teampull Flannain (St. Flannan’s Church)
Gortnashingaun,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Early Church
Fough East,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Briocan (St.
Brecan’s Church)
Killbrickan,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Leabhair (Church of the Book)
Turlough,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill Eoghain (St. Eoghan’s Church)
Turlough,
Kilcummin, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Teampull ins’ Mac Adhaimh (Church of the Sons of Adam)
Barraderry, Killinkelly, Moycullen, Co. Galway
Cill In a’ Cheallaigh (Little
Church of St. Kelly)
Carraroe
South, Killinkelly, Moycullen,
Co. Galway
Cill Ailithre (Church
of the Pilgrim)
Trabane, Gorumna
Island, Killinkelly, Moycullen,
Co. Galway
Cill Duiggal (St. Duiggal’s Church)
Lettermullen
Island, Killinkelly, Moycullen,
Co. Galway
Conmaicne Mara
Like the Delbhna, the various groups of Conmaicne were once
one population, the latest theory being they dominated the entire region of
northern Co. Galway and southern Co. Roscommon before the rise of the Ui Briuin
tribes. Also like the Delbhna, they were
classed as fortuatha, and like their eastern neighbors held their territory
between Kilkieran Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for over a millennium. Following the disruptions of the 13th
century, their chiefs, the O’Cadhlas (or O’Kealys) moved east and north to the
Partry Mountains. Their cadets, the
MacConneelys, and other septs remained behind as subjects of the O’Flahertys.
Abbeys:
St. Fechin’s Abbey
Goreen, Omey
Island, Omey, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
St. Brendan’s Monastery
Cartoorbeg,
Omey Island, Omey, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
St. Fechin’s Abbey
High
Island, Omey, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
St. Macdara’s Abbey
Macdara’s
Island, Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
St. Flannan’s Abbey
Kill,
Ballindoon, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
St. Ciaran’s Monastery
Kilkieran,
Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
St. Colman’s Abbey
Knock,
Inishbofin Island, Inishbofin, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
St. Sciathin’s Monastery
Westquarter,
Inishbofin Island, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
St. Leo’s Monastery
Inishark
Island, Inishbofin, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Churches:
Cill Mac Dara (St.
Macdara’s Church)
Moyrus,
Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Mac Duagh (St.
Mac Duagh’s Church)
Moyrus,
Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill In (Little Church)
Killeen
Lake, Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Caolain (St.
Coelan’s Church)
Croaghnakeela,
Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Mac Dara (St.
Macdara’s Church)
Macdara’s
Island, Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Seacht nInghien (Church of the Seven Daughters)
Mason
Island, Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Seacht nInghien (Church of the Seven Daughters)
Mweenish
Island, Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Ciaran (St.
Ciaran’s Church)
Kilkieran,
Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Connaill (St.
Connall’s Church)
Cashel,
Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Brionain (St.
Brendan’s Church)
Creevecartron,
Inishnee Island, Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Maitiu (St.
Matthew’s Church)
Kilcartron,
Inishnee Island, Moyrus, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Flannain (St.
Flannan’s Church)
Kill, Ballindoon,
Ballynahinch
Cill a’ Duin (Church
of the Fort, aka Doon Church)
Bunowenmore,
Ballindoon, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Caillin (St.
Callin’s Chapel)
Chapel
Island, Ballinaleama, Ballindoon, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Ath Dearg (Church
of the Red Ford)
Barratrough
(Streamstown), Omey, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Fhechin (St.
Fechin’s Church)
Goreen,
Omey Island, Omey, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Brionan (St.
Brendan’s Church)
Sturrakeen,
Omey Island, Omey, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Ghormgail (St.
Gormgal’s Church)
High Island,
Omey, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Early Church
Inishturk,
Omey, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Ceannanach (St.
Gregory Ceannanach’s Church)
Cartron,
Ballynakill, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Seacht nInghien (Church of the Seven Daughters)
Cashleen,
Ballynakill, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Rioch (St.
Rioch’s Church)
Foher,
Ballynakill, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Rioch (St.
Rioch’s Church)
Crump
Island, Ballynakill, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Early Church
Pollycappul,
Ballynakill, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill
Flannain (St. Flannan’s Church)
Knock, Inishbofin Island,
Inishbofin, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Cill Cholmain (St.
Colman’s Church)
Knock,
Inishbofin Island, Inishbofin, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Teampull Leo (St.
Leo’s Church)
Inishark
Island, Inishbofin, Ballynahinch, Co. Galway
Partraige an-t Sliebh
The Partraige were another fortuatha-class group once one
large population dominant over a wide area that broke up under pressure from
rising new populations. In the case of
the Partraige, these were the Conmaicne Cuile Tolad and the Fir Ceara of Ui
Fiachrach. It was domination by the
former to which the Partraige an-t Sliebh succumbed. As mentioned above, the kings of Conmaicne
Mara, the O’Cadhlas/O’Kealys came here in the early 13th century,
only to find themselves under the Joyces half a century later. Their chiefs were the O’Kynes.
The area became the core of Joyce Country, which eventually
took in the lands of the other Partraige tribes as well as most of what is now
Ballynakill parish. The last was a
wedding gift when his son or grandson married an O’Flaherty daughter and became
the one cause of the wars between the two powerful families in the 16th
century.
Abbey:
St. Brendan’s Abbey
Kilbeg
Lower, Ross, Ross, Co. Galway
Churches:
Teampull Brionain (St.
Brendan’s Church)
Kilbeg
Lower, Ross, Ross, Co. Galway
Early Church
Cloonbur,
Ross, Ross, Co. Galway
Cill Mor (Big Church)
Kilmore,
Ross, Ross, Co. Galway
Cill Bride (St.
Brigit’s Church)
Kilbride,
Ross, Ross
Cill na Brionain (St.
Brendan’s Church)
Kilnabrennaun,
Ross, Ross, Co. Galway
Partraige Locha
Another group of the fortuatha-class Partraige, these fell
to the Conmaicne Cuile Tolad even before their cousins. Their chiefs were the O’Dorchys. They later became subjects of the Joyces.
Abbey:
St. Fechin’s Abbey
Cong South, Cong, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Churches:
Cill Fhechin (St. Fechin’s Church)
Cong South, Cong, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Cill Fhursa (St. Fursey’s Church)
Ballymacgibbon North, Cong, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Ard Chroabh na
Naomh (Church of the High Branch of
Saints), aka Cill Fraoichin (St. Fraochin’s Church )
Dowagh East, Cong, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Cill Cholmain (St. Colman’s Church), aka Attyrickard
Church
Cross, Cong, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Cill In Maelruain (Little Church of St. Maelruin), aka
Neale Church
Lecarrowkilleen, Cong, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Early Church
Gortacurra, Cong, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Early Church (aka Billypark Church)
Carheens, Cong, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Teampull Padraig(St. Patrick’s Church)
Inchagoill Island, Dooris, Cong,
Ross, Co. Galway
Teampull na Naomh (Church of the Saint)
Inchagoill Island, Dooris, Cong,
Ross, Co. Galway
Cill Bride (St. Brigit’s Church)
Killbride, Ballinchalla, Ross,
Co. Galway
Teampull O Moghery (O’Mohery’s Church)
Churchfield East, Ballinrobe, Ross,
Co. Galway
Partraige Ceara
This group of the fortuatha-class Partraige dominated all of
what is now the barony of Carra until they were reduced to the district of Odhbha
by the Fir Ceara of the Ui Fiachrach Muaidhe in the 8th century. Their chiefs were the O’Garvalys. They came under domination by the Joyces
sometime after the arrival of that family in the late 13th century.
Abbey:
Early Convent
Rocksboro South, Ballinrobe,
Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Churches:
Teampull Colmcille
Portroyal, Ballyovey (Partry), Carra,
Co. Mayo
Teampull Colmcille
Ilauncolmcille Island, Loch Measg,
Ballyovey (Partry), Carra, Co. Mayo
Cill In (Little Church)
Portroyal, Ballyovey (Partry), Carra,
Co. Mayo
Cill Ciarain (St. Ciaran’s Church)
Kilkeerin, Ballyovey (Partry), Carra,
Co. Mayo
Cill In (Little Church)
Carrowkilleen, Ballyovey (Partry),
Carra, Co. Mayo
Cill Luighna (St. Lughna’s Church)
Cornfield, Ballyovey (Partry), Carra,
Co. Mayo
Cill Tacharain (St. Tacharan’s Church)
Kiltaugharaun, Ballyovey (Partry),
Carra, Co. Mayo
Teampull Ruadhain (Ruadhan’s Church), aka Cill Padraig (St. Patrick’s Church)
Carrownalecka, Ballinrobe, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill In ‘a Chraobha
(Little Church of the Devout)
Rathkelly, Ballinrobe, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Conmaicne Cuile
Tolad
The branch of the
fortuatha-class Conmaicne who inhabited what is now the barony of Kilmaine,
these came to eventually dominate their neighbors, the Partraige Locha and the
Partraige an-t Sleibh. They in turn fell
under the rising Ui Briuin Seola and remained so until the Sil Murray rulers of
Connacht seized their territory from the Muintir Murchada in 1118.
Abbeys:
St. Cormac’s Abbey
Inishmaine Island, Loch Measg, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
St. Colman’s Abbey
Ramolin, Shrule, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Cloghvanaha Abbey
Church Park, Shrule, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Early Convent
Rocksboro South, Ballinrobe, Carra,
Co. Mayo
Moorgagagh Abbey
Kill, Moorgagagh, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Churches:
Teampull Ruadhain
Carrownalecka, Ballinrobe, Carra,
Co. Mayo
Cill In ‘a Chraobha
(Little Church of the Devout)
Rathkelly, Ballinrobe, Carra, Co.
Mayo
Cill Cormaic (St. Cormac’s Church)
Inishmaine Island, Loch Measg,
Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Teampull Colmcille
(St. Colmcille’s Church)
Inishrobe Island, Loch Measg,
Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Teampull Colmcille (St. Colmcille’s Church)
Ilauncolmcille Island, Loch Measg,
Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Cill Padraig (St. Patrick’s Church)
Cornaroya, Ballinrobe, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Cill Mor O’Seghin (Big Church of St. O’Seghin)
Killosheheen, Ballinrobe, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Ciaran (St. Ciaran’s Church)
Kilkeeran, Ballinrobe, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Teampull na Lacka (Church of the Hillside)
Cuslough Demense, Ballinrobe, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Mor (Great Church)
Kilmore, Ballinrobe, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Cill Leabhair (Church of the Book)
Cahernicole West, Ballinchalla,
Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Teampull Colmcille
(St. Colmcille’s Church)
Ballinchalla, Ballinchalla, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Mor (Great Church)
Killimor, Ballinchalla, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cillin Cholmain (St. Colman’s Church)
Shrule, Shrule, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Early Church
Moyne, Shrule, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Early Church
Kinlough, Shrule, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Cill In Brionnan
(Little Church of St. Brendan)
Moorgagagh, Moorgagagh, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Ciarain (St. Ciaran’s Church)
Kilkeerin, Kilmainebeg, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Mac Duagh (St. Mac Duagh’s Church)
Kilmacduagh, Kilmainebeg, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Mhean Mor (Big Middle Church )
Kilmaine, Kilmainemore, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill In a’ Sciach
(Little Church of the Thorns)
Carrowreagh, Kilmainemore, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Cuirre (Church of the Round Hill)
Kilquire North, Kilmainemore,
Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Cill Ernan (St. Ernan’s Church)
Killernan, Kilmainemore, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Moldara (St. Molara’s Church)
Carrownakilly, Kilmolara, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Cill Chomain (St. Coman’s Church)
Kilcommon, Kilcommon, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Cill Rois (Church of the Woods)
Kilrush, Kilcommon, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Cill Glasan (Church of the Stream)
Kilglassan, Kilcommon, Kilmaine, Co.
Mayo
Cill In Riabhach
(Little Grey Church)
Killeenrevagh, Kilcommon, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Early Church
Creggawatta, Kilcommon, Kilmaine,
Co. Mayo
Corco Mruad
Arann
At the dawn of the
Christian era, the Aran Islands were part of the kingdom of the Corco Mruad in
what is now northwest Co. Clare, the whole area of which was then part of the
kingdom of the Ui Fiachrach Aidne, and therefore part of Connacht. After the kings of Munster took the region in
the mid- to late-8th century, both mainland and island Corco Mruad
came under the sept known as the Eoghanachta Ninussa. The islands remained under that sept long
after their mainland cousins had expelled them.
That sept was itself conquered by the MacTeige O’Briens in the mid-11th
century. The archipelago became part of
Iar Connacht in 1582 when the O’Flahertys expelled the O’Briens.
Abbeys:
St. Enda’s Abbey and College
Killeany,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
St. Brecan’s Abbey
Onacht,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
St. Ciaran’s Abbey
Oghill,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
St. Fechin’s Abbey
Inishmaan
Island, Aran, Co. Galway
St. Cavan’s Abbey
Inisheer Island,
Aran, Co. Galway
Churches:
Cill Einne (St. Enda’s
Church)
Killeany,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Cill Teglach Einne (Church
of St. Enda’s Household)
Killeany,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Mac Longa (St.
Mac Longius’ Church)
Killeany,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Mhic Canonn (St.
Mac Canonn’s Church)
Killeany, Inishmore
Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Bheanain (St.
Benan’s Church)
Killeany,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Cill Charna (St.
Carna’s Church)
Killeany,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Cill Ronan ((St.
Ronan’s Church)
Oghill,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Assurnidhe (St. Soarney’s Church)
Oghill,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Cill na Manach (Church
of the Monks) aka Cill Caradoc (St. Caradoc’s Church)
Oghill,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Cill Muirbhighe (Church
of the Sea Plain)
Kilmurvy,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Atharla Chiaran (Church of St. Ciaran’s Glen)
Kilmurvy,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Mor Mhic Duagh (Big
Church of St. MacDuagh)
Kilmurvy,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull na Naomh (Church
of the Saints), aka Teampull Beg Mhic Duagh
Kilmurvy,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Briocain (St.
Brecan’s Church)
Onacht,
Inishmore Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Ceannanach (St.
Ceannanach’s Church)
Carrowntemple,
Inishmaan Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Cill Seact Mic Righ (Church
of the Seven Sons of the King)
Carrownlisheen,
Inishmaan Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Caireach Dorchin (Church of St. Caireach)
Carrownlisheen,
Inishmaan Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Cill Coemhain (St.
Cavan’s Church)
Inisheer
Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Teampull Seacht nInghien (Church of the Seven Daughters)
Inisheer
Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Cill Gradh na Domhain (Church of the Love of God), aka Cill
Gobnait (St. Gobnait’s Church)
Inisheer
Island, Aran, Co. Galway
Ui Mhaille
Tir Umhall, home of the Ui Mhaille or Fir Umhall, was never any
part of the realm of the O’Flahertys, nor any of other for that matter. It was a land and people unto itself, though
not as much as the Town of Galway.
However, several entries in various annals refer to it as part of Iar
Connacht. The later division into Upper
and Lower stems from the time after the MacWilliam Burkes ruled the northern
half (Lower Umhall), leaving the southern half (Upper Umhall) to its native
rulers, the O’Malleys. The barony of
Burrishoole represents the former, the barony of Murrisk the latter. Since this division falls outside the time
period in question, the abbeys and churches are listed here as belonging to one
territory, which they originally were.
Abbeys:
Aghagower Abbey
Aghagower,
Aghagower, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Oughaval Abbey
Churchfield,
Oughaval, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
St. Dympna’s Abbey
Carrickkildavnet,
Achill Island, Burrishole, Co. Mayo
Glaspatrick Monastery
Glaspatrick,
Oughaval, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Mainistir Cathair na Naomh (City of the Saints Monastery)
Caher
Island, Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Early Abbey
Kill, Clare
Island, Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Churches:
Teampull Cholmain (St.
Colman’s Church)
Slievemore,
Achill Island, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Cill Damhnait (St.
Dympna’s Church)
Carrickkildavnet,
Achill Island, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Cill Padraig (St.
Patrick’s Church), aka Coolygreen Church
Aghadooey
Glebe, Burrishoole, Burrishoole, Co.
Mayo
Cill In Birroge (Little
Church of St. Birroge)
Aghadooey
Glebe, Burrishoole, Burrishoole, Co.
Mayo
Cill Bride (St.
Brigit’s Church)
Kilbride,
Burrishoole, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Teampull Marcan (St.
Marcan’s Church)
Rosclave,
Burrishoole, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Early Church
Inishduff
Island, Kilmeena, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Early Church
Clynish
Island, Kilmeena, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Cill Miodhna (St.
Meena’s Church)
Kilmeena,
Kilmeena, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Cill Mhic Laisre (Church
of the Sons of Lasre)
Rushbrook,
Kilmaclasser, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Cill In Cuain (Little
Church of St. Cuan)
Gortnaclassagh,
Kilmaclasser, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Domnach Padraig (St.
Patrick’s Church)
Aghagower,
Aghagower, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Teampull na bhFhiacal (Church
of the Teeth)
Aghagower,
Aghagower, Burrishoole, Co. Mayo
Cill Padraig (St.
Patrick’s Church)
Raheens, Islandeady,
Burrishole, Co. Mayo
Cill Aidain (St.
Aidan’s Church)
Raheens,
Islandeady, Burrishole, Co. Mayo
Cill Aolain (St.
Aolains’s Church)
Glenisland,
Islandeady, Burrishole, Co. Mayo
Cill In na Cathaoir Phadraig (Little Church of St. Patrick’s Chair)
Boheh,
Aghagower, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Cill Brionan (St.
Brendan’s Church)
Lankill,
Aghagower, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Cill In Neimhe (Little
Church of St. Neimhe)
Cordarragh
South, Aghagower, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Cill Cluain Padraig (Church
of St. Patrick’s Meadow)
Churchfield,
Oughaval, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Teampull Colmcille (St.
Colmcille’s Church)
Churchfield,
Oughaval, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Cill Glais Phadraig (Church
of St. Patrick’s Stream)
Glaspatrick,
Oughaval, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Cill In (Little Church)
Oughty,
Oughaval, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Cill Iomhair (St.
Iomhair’s Church)
Kilgeever,
Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Cill Bride (St.
Brigit’s Church)
Askillaun,
Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Teampull Colmcille (St.
Colmcille’s Church)
Inishturk
Island, Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Teampull Padraig (St.
Patrick’s Church)
Caher
Island, Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Cill Bride (St.
Brigit’s Church)
Capnagower,
Clare Island, Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co.
Mayo
Cill a’ Duin (Church
of the Fort)
Killadoon,
Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
Teampull Duagh Mor (Church
of the Great Sand Beach)
Tallavbaun,
Kilgeever, Murrisk, Co. Mayo
10 comments:
I have long wondered when the O'Flahertys changed to Faherty's.I have heard numerous stories,but none have been documented anywhere.Does anyone know the real story,
misterquality03@yahoo.com
Actually, they never did. The O'Fahertys were the chief of the tribe known earlier as the Delbhna Cuile Fabhair. They actually ruled most of Maigh Seola before the Ui Briuin Seola that became the O'Flahertys came on the scene. The Delbhna, who later split into eight groups, once ruled central Ireland. In an ancient account of the kingdom of the O'Flahertys, the O'Fahertys were called kings of Delbhna Cuile Fabhair and lords of Muintir Fathartaigh and Fiodh Luaraigh.
http://notesfromtheninthcircle.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-ancient-delbhna-of-central-ireland.html
http://notesfromtheninthcircle.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-brief-account-of-kingdoms-of.html
There is also a section on the Delbhna Cuile Fabhair (O'Fahertys) in this article.
There's this too: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadhg_an_tSleibhe_%C3%93_Fathaigh
Superb piece, Chuck, many thanks!
I particularly liked the level of detail. You can find lots of material saying things like such and such fortuatha lived in Barony X, but narrowing it down to the township level is great, much appreciated. I wanted to ask, where are you finding the information?
To get my head around it, I even made a map - http://oi66.tinypic.com/28sm3bs.jpg
Have you seen any more professional versions of the same?
I just wish you'd extended the focus a LITTLE to the northwest! My paternal ancestors, McGahs or McGaghs, seem most likely to have come from Dunmore Barony, the white area tantalisingly close to the Muintir Murchada (pink) and Conmaicne Cuile Tolad (amber). Which tribes were around here in the heyday of the Ui Briuin and co., do you know?
Cheers, Ben
This was composed as a companion piece to one I did earlier: "The Early Irish Church and Iar Connacht" @ http://notesfromtheninthcircle.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-early-irish-church-and-iar-connacht_29.html. Nearly all the sources I used are found there at the end. County Galway has some of the best historical information on itself in Ireland, and I'm fortunate that my ancestors (I'm actually a MacConroy by blood) came from there. I've got another piece "The ancient kingdom of Connacht, a short sketch" which is broader in scope but not as detailed.
That map you made is the best one I've ever seen relative to this subject. I'd be most honored to use it here if you'd let me, giving you full credit, of course.
Ben, you might find this of use also: "How I Found the Mysterious McGarrs of Ballyraggan" @ http://elliesancestors.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-i-found-mysterious-mcgarrs-of.html
Please feel free to use the rubbishy map, Chuck! I'll try to knock together a more decent one if I get some free time over the next few weeks too, actually. For my own amusement as much as your benefit, don't you worry, haha! I managed a glance at those other pieces you mention, but a proper thorough read will have to wait a while, work permitting. I miss the days I used to read for fun, without feeling obliged to take notes...
That McGarrs thing is interesting, and I'd long been under the impression myself that I owed my surname to some Kildare migrants, but it turns out that it's a completely different surname, really. Rather than a Mac an Gheairr (Son of the Short-bloke - McGarr in Kildare, or McGirr up in Ulster), turns out I'm far more likely a Mag Eathach (Wee-Youghey's Son, of Galway/Mayo). The pronunciation fits better, as do the earliest spellings found in early English censuses, parish registers and civil registration records. Somewhere down the line we anglicised McGah that one step further into something analogous with names like Carr or Parr, where the R isn't even pronounced in the standard non-rhotic dialect of English anyway. Turns out there was never an R sound in my ancestors' names at all. In my foolish youth, I almost bought a kilt in the Kildare tartan (made-up nonsense anyway but still fun to have), so it's just as well my stinginess won out over my whim. Will have to look up the Galway equivalent, some time!
Another early Manchester Irish ancestor of mine was a Charlotte Conroy, daughter of Sarah, and I never did figure out where they were born. Somebody probably dropped a 'Mc' at one point, so we're cousins no matter what. I never bothered to look - is the distribution of this surname as specific as that for McGah/McGagh? Would be curious if this was yet another Galway line for my ancestry.
A little tidier:
http://oi66.tinypic.com/n19mpu.jpg
Thanks, that's awesome!
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