Baronies were mainly cadastral rather than administrative units.[4] They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.[5][6]
History
The barony of Scarawalsh takes its name from a townland of the same name;[7] the name is Irish for "Walsh's shallow ford with stony bottom,"[8] referring to a crossing-point on the River Slaney on the Ferns–Enniscorthy road.[9][10]
Scarawalsh contains the capital of the Uí Ceinnselaig (Kinsellas) at Ferns. In the early medieval period the Síl Chormaic were the dominant section (sept) of the Kinsellas, but in the mid-11th century, control was taken by the related Síl Fáelchán (Mac Murchadha) branch.[11]
Scarawalsh is a large barony in the north of the county, bordering County Carlow and County Wicklow; much of it is mountainous, especially in its north.[13] The River Bann flows through the eastern part of the barony, meeting the River Slaney downriver of Scarawalsh Bridge (near the ancient ford).[14]
List of settlements
Settlements in whole or in part the historical barony of Scarawalsh include:[15][16]
^The History of the Irish Rebellion, in the Year 1798, &c.,: Containing an Impartial Narrative of the Proceedings of the Irish Revolutionists, from the Year 1782 Till the Total Suppression of the Insurrection; : with a Review of the History of Ireland, from Its First Invasion by the English, Till the Commencement of the Rebellion. In Two Volumes... (1809:12). United Kingdom: John Harrop..
^Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland. (1859:464). Ireland: Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
