Ross An Ros (Irish) | |
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![]() Slopes of Ben Beg | |
![]() Barony map of County Galway, 1900; Ross is in the northwest, coloured green. | |
Coordinates: 53°34′N9°33′W / 53.56°N 9.55°W | |
Sovereign state | Ireland |
Province | Connacht |
County | Galway Mayo |
Area | |
• Total | 313.0 km2 (120.9 sq mi) |
Ross (Irish : An Ros) is a historical barony in northern County Galway, Ireland; part of it is in County Mayo. [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 They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.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]
The name derived from Irish ros, meaning "promontory" or "peninsula." [3] This originally referred to the narrow strip of land between Loughs Mask and Corrib. [4]
This region was originally ruled by the Partraige (Partry) tribe. After allying with the Ó Flaithbheartaigh (Flahertys), the Anglo-Norman de Jorse (Joy, Joyce) family received grants of land here, and the area near here became part of Joyce Country. [5]
Ross barony was created before 1574 and was part of County Mayo; it was transferred to County Galway in 1585. In 1898 the county border was redrawn, putting about a third of Ross into Mayo. [6]
Ross roughly corresponds to the traditional Joyce Country, and is extremely hilly. [7] It is west of Lough Mask and Lough Corrib and east of Killary Harbour. Loch Na Fooey is near its centre. [8]
Settlements within the historical barony of Ross include: [9]