WELCOME TO A ROMANTIC PART OF IRELAND
History
Introduction
Hugh O’Connor was given this little barony by Sir John Perrot in 1584. The O’Connor Dhunne family held it for many years until Cromwell sequestered it in 1651. After Callaugh’s son Hugh died without issue in 1662, the O’Connor lands and the barony fell into the hands of the Crown and was granted to John French by King Charles II in 1677.
The French family owned the barony rights until 2003. After that, the ownership changed to another owner. Since the beginning of 2019, the barony rights belong to a family with Irish ancestors. The gift seems to have followed the ancestors which align with the old stories within the family. Now, it seems that the gift has found its way home.
If you’re searching for this little barony, you might come across the names Clonmacnowen and Clonmacnoon as well. However, the origin of all these names is still Cluain Mhac n’Eoghain (Clann Mac nEoghain).
Background
Introduction
Clanmacowan Barony spans 141.6 square kilometers in eastern Galway. It is said to hold the hidden mystery behind the Irish High Cross and is among the few remaining places where the ancient gift of an dà shealladh—the second sight—can still be found.
(picture from www.towlands.ie)
Tourist attractions
St. John Evangelist church
St John's Church. Ballinasloe - YouTube
Church of Saint John the Evangelist (Kilcloony)
https://www.ballinasloe.ie/heritage/the-church-on-the-hill
St. Michael's Catholic church
St. Michael's Church, Ballinasloe - Wikipedia
1858 – St. Michael’s Church, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway | Archiseek - Irish Architecture
St. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH CLONTUSKERT
Ballinasloe city
More to know
Eoghan, the third son of Domnall Mór and Dubh Cobhlaigh, became the ancestor of the Clann Maince Eoghain, who gave their name to the barony of Clanmacowan. Domnall Mór Ua Cellaigh was King of Uí Maine and died in 1221.
The romantic aspect is related to the love story between a young man and his beautiful wife, in which the barony played, plays, and will play a significant role.
