Loughrea Baile Locha Riach (Irish) | |
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![]() Barony map of County Galway, 1900; Loughrea is in the south, coloured light green. | |
Coordinates: 53°10′N8°38′W / 53.16°N 8.63°W | |
Sovereign state | Ireland |
Province | Connacht |
County | Galway |
Area | |
• Total | 260.6 km2 (100.6 sq mi) |
Loughrea (Irish : Baile Locha Riach, occasionally spelled Loughreagh) is a historical barony in northern County Galway, Ireland. [1]
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 They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.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]
Loughrea barony, along with Leitrim barony, formed the kingdom of Conmhaícne Mheáin Maigh (Conmaic's people of the middle plain; Maenmoy), ruled by the O'Naughton and O'Mullaly until the 13th century. Part of Loughrea barony was ruled by Uí Fiachrach Aidhne. [3]
Loughrea barony was created before 1574. [4]
Loughrea barony is in southern County Galway, running from Loughrea town and its lake south to the Slieve Aughty Mountains. [5] The toponym 'Loughrea' is from Irish meaning "speckled lake." [6]
Settlements within the historical barony of Loughrea include: [7]