Fore (County Meath barony)


Fore, also called Demifore, is a historical barony in north-central County Meath, Ireland.
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 They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.

History

The region was ruled by the Delbna Bec in the 8th century and the Ó hAonghusa in the 12th century.
The barony takes its name from Fore Abbey, whose name is from Irish fobhar, "well." Originally there was a single large barony, but when Meath was split into Meath and Westmeath in the Counties of Meath and Westmeath Act 1543, two "half-baronies" of Fore (Westmeath) and Fore were created.

Geography

Fore is a hilly region in the northwest of the county, on the border with County Westmeath to its west; Lough Bane is on the border here. The northern border of Fore follows the River Inny and Lough Sheelin, where it meets County Cavan. Fore barony contains Slieve Na Calliagh and the Loughcrew megalithic complex.

List of settlements

Settlements within the historical barony of Fore include: