Tribes of West Connacht and their churches

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 12^th 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.

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Because of the family’s influence and importance (and partly because of a book written in the 17^th 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 11^th 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 13^th 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 11^th 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 13^th 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 8^th 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 11^th century.  After the expulsions of the 13^th 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 13^th 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 13^th 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 13^th century.  They apparently managed to recover some of their former territory because the 14^th 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. 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 13^th 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 13^th 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. Galway
Cill 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 13^th 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 13^th 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 16^th 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 8^th century.  Their chiefs were the O’Garvalys.  They came under domination by the Joyces sometime after the arrival of that family in the late 13^th 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-8^th 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-11^th 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