Corkaree


Corkaree is a barony in north County Westmeath, in the Republic of Ireland. It was formed by 1672. It is bordered by three other baronies: Fore, Moyashel and Magheradernon and Moygoish.

Early history

In the Medieval period the area of Corcaree formed part of the lands held by the Ó Dálaigh bardic family. Máel Íosa Ua Dálaigh, died 1185, was described as “Chief poet of Ireland and Scotland," he was also lord of the 'minor midland kingdom' of Corca Raidhe. The annals state that in 1185, Maelisa O'Daly, ollave of Ireland and Scotland, Lord of Corcaree and Corca-Adain, a man illustrious for his poetry, hospitality, and nobility, died while on a pilgrimage at Clonard.

Geography

Corkaree has an area of.
The barony contains two large lakes; Lough Derravaragh, shared with the barony of Fore, and home to the Irish legend of the Children of Lir and Lough Owel an internationally recognised Ramsar waterfowl habitat. In addition Lough Iron, a small lake, lies on the River Inny and is shared with the barony of Moygoish. The lake is not easily accessible as there is no road close to the lake or public access.
The River Inny, flows into Lough Derravaragh, then near the village of Ballinalack. The River Brosna, rises in Lough Owel and, like the Inny, is a tributary of the River Shannon.
The N4, a national primary road passes to the north of Lough Owel, connecting Dublin with the north–west of Ireland and the coastal town of Sligo. A railway line carrying the national rail company Iarnród Éireann's Dublin to Longford commuter service and Dublin to Sligo intercity service also passes through the barony.

Civil parishes of the barony

This table lists an historical geographical sub-division of the barony known as the civil parish.
Name in EnglishName in Irish
LackanLeacain
LenyLéine
MultyfarnhamMuilte Farannáin
PortlomanPort Lomáin
PortnashanganPort na Seangán
StonehallTigh Cloiche
TyfarnhamTigh Farannáin
TaghmonTigh Munna

Towns, villages and townlands

There are 77 townlands in the barony of Corkaree.

Places of interest