Slievemargy (Irish: Sliabh Mairge, IPA: [ʃlʲiə mˠaɾ.ɟə]) is a barony in County Laois (formerly called Queen's County or County Leix), Ireland.
Etymology
The barony is named after the large hill partially within its borders. The name Slievemargy is derived from the Irish name for the hill, Sliabh Mairge, with Sliabh meaning "mountain" and mairge being the genitive declension of mairg, meaning "gloom" or "woe". Thus, the hill's name could be translated as something akin to "mountain of gloom".
The barony's name has multiple spellings; it is also spelled Slieuemargue, Slewmergie, Slieuemargue and Slieuemargy, though these spellings are no longer used in modern times.
Geography
Slievemargy is located to the west of the River Barrow. The hill within the barony has a rather harsh graident/slope, and is said to bear a highest peak approximately 315m above sea level.
History
Slievemargy corresponded roughly to the lordship of Ui Bairrche and was held by the septs O'Treasaigh and MacGorman.
List of settlements
Below is a list of settlements in Slievemargy barony:
- Arless
- Ballickmoyler
- Crettyard
- Killeshin
- Newtown
- The Swan
- Bilblá, County Carlow
References
