Clankelly, Historical barony in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Clankelly is a historic barony in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, notable for being the only barony in the county without direct connection to Lough Erne's waters. Its territory adjoins several neighboring baronies and extends toward the border with the Republic of Ireland.
The MacDonnell family led this region during medieval times and became the principal chiefs throughout the territory. Later in the 13th century, the O'Cannons, former rulers of Cinel Conaill, moved their power base here after losing their original lands.
The name comes from Cellach, a king of the Ui Chremthainn in ancient times, and this genealogical connection shaped how people understood the territory for centuries. Local families traced their roots back through this naming, which tied them to the wider regional identity.
The area is positioned between several neighboring baronies and is best explored by traveling along established routes that connect the adjacent regions. Its location near the border makes it fairly accessible for visitors wanting to explore different parts of this territory.
The territory became a contested region where different power groups vied for control, making it a place of shifting allegiances and political changes. These power struggles left traces on the landscape that visitors can still notice today in settlement patterns and land use.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
