Clare (barony)
Barony in County Galway, Ireland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clare (Irish: Baile Chláir) is a historical barony in north-central County Galway, Ireland.[1]
Clare
Baile Chláir (Irish) | |
|---|---|
East bank of Lough Corrib | |
 Barony map of County Galway, 1900; Clare is in the middle, coloured orange. | |
  Clare Location within County Galway | |
| Coordinates: 53°26′N 8°55′W | |
| Sovereign state | Ireland |
| Province | Connacht |
| County | Galway |
| Area | |
• Total | 515.9 km2 (199.2 sq mi) |
Baronies were mainly cadastral rather than administrative units. They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.[2]
History
The Ó Flaithbheartaigh (Flahertys) were chiefs of a region called Clan Murcadha (also Muintir Murchada, Mag Seola),[3] while their relatives the Mac Aedha (MacHugh) ruled a territory called Clan Coscraigh on the east side of Lough Corrib, roughly corresponding to Clare barony. The Norman family of Hackett built a castle in the area in the 13th century.
In the 16th century, Richard Burke, 2nd Earl of Clanricarde drove the O'Flaherties from their lands. [4]
Clare barony was created some time before 1574. It is named for the town of Claregalway (Irish: Baile Chláir, "settlement of the plain").
Geography
Clare is in the north of the county, east of Lough Corrib and north of the River Clare.[5]
List of settlements
Settlements within the historical barony of Clare include:[6]