Kells Upper


Kells Upper or Upper Kells is a historical barony in western 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 They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government Act 1898.

History

Prior to the Norman invasion of Ireland, the Kells Upper area was part of the territory of the Ciannachta. The barony of Kells existed before 1542 in the Lordship of Meath; it took its name from the town of Kells.
Kells was divided into Lower and Upper halves by 1807.

Geography

Kells Upper is in the west of the county, with the Kells Blackwater river flowing across it. It has borders with Westmeath to the southwest and County Cavan to the northwest.

List of settlements

Settlements within the historical barony of Kells Upper include:
  • Carnaross
  • Crossakiel
  • Donaghpatrick
  • Kells
  • Kilskeer
  • Julianstown
  • Stamullen