Baronies were mainly cadastral rather than administrative units.[3] They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.[4][5]
History and legend
"Orrery" is derived from the Orbraige (pronounced like "Orvery"),[6] "descendants of Orbh;" one of the tribute kingdoms of Munster; according to Lebor na Cert their annual tax paid to Cashel was fifty cows, fifty oxen and fifty cattle carcasses; another place gives their obligation as a hundred cows, a hundred white cloths and a hundred sows.[7][8] One of these must refer to the Orbraige of Druim Imnocht, a subbranch of the tribe that was based in County Kerry.[9] Their ancestor Orb(h) was supposedly descended from Fereidhech, a son of Fergus mac Róich.
"Kilmore" (Coill Mór) means "Great Wood," referring to the forests found northwest of Newtownshandrum.[11]
Geography
Orrery and Kilmore is in the north of the county, sandwiched between Fermoy barony and Duhallow, to the south of the River Maigue. Kilmore is the northern part, Orrery in the south.
List of settlements
Settlements within the historical barony of Orrery and Kilmore include:[12]
