Barony of Coole
Coole is a barony of Fermanagh.[1] To its west lies Upper Lough Erne, and it is bordered by three other baronies in the United Kingdom: Knockninny to the west; Magherastephana to the north; and Clankelly.[1] It also borders three baronies in the Republic of Ireland: Dartree to the east; Tullygarvey and Loughtee Lower to the south.
The name 'Coole' is form the Gaelic Cuil meaning 'corner'.
Coole is based upon the ancient territory of Cuil, which was frequently referred to as the residence of the O'Cassidy's (Ó Caiside). The O'Cassidys became the head physicians of the Maguires, and the territory was a collateral or dynastic branch of the Maguires. In the Annals it appears as Cuil na nOirear, which may have applied to an old half-barony near Enniskillen.[2]
Villages and parishes
The main village of the barony is Newtownbutler.
The parishes of Coole are:[3]
- Gallon (split with baronies of Clankelly and Knockninny)
- Drummully (split with barony of Clankelly)