Cullenagh


Cullenagh or Cullinagh is a barony in County Laois, Republic of Ireland.

Etymology

The barony is named after the Cullenagh Hills; located between Abbeyleix and Timahoe, they rise to a height of and contain the source of the River Triogue. The name is believed to derive from Irish cuileann, "holly."

Geography

Cullenagh is located in southern County Laois, mostly east of the River Nore. The southern part is hilly, called the Slieve Lough or Dysart Hills.

History

Cullenagh formed part of the ancient kingdom of Loígis. The northern part was part of Tuath-Fiodhbhuidhe along with the southern part of Maryborough West.
The southern part was called Gailine, and is mentioned in the topographical poem Tuilleadh feasa ar Éirinn óigh :
Gailine na sreaḃ soiċleaċ
DO'Cheallaiġ ní coṁoighṫeaċ
Trom ag fiaḋacg an fine
Ar fonn ngrianach nGailine.
After the Laois-Offaly Plantation, the Barrington family received land in Cullenagh. Among their descendants was the jurist and writer Jonah Barrington.

List of settlements

Below is a list of settlements in Cullenagh barony: