Walshs in the Early Irish Counties
Walsh Family History Series
Walshs in:
Waterford -
Laois -
Wexford & Carlow -
Kerry -
Tipperary
Cork -
Mayo -
Louth -
Galway -
Roscommon -
Limerick
Kildare & Meath -
Westmeath -
Offaly -
Carlow -
Sligo -
Dublin & Wicklow -
Kilkenny
Where does the surname Walsh rank by County?
All of Ireland - Walsh ranked as the #4 most common surname in Ireland according to Matheson's study which was based on the number of births in the 1890 Ireland census. Matheson went on to estimate a population of nearly 42,000 bearing the Walsh surname in 1890.
County Mayo - Walsh ranked #1 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Kilkenny - Walsh ranked #2 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Waterford - Walsh ranked #2 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Wexford - Walsh ranked #3 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Cork - Walsh ranked #6 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Limerick - Walsh ranked #6 in 1890 according to Matheson, as well as in a Griffiths Valuation study for 1850-52.
County Sligo - Walsh ranked #7 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Offaly - Walsh ranked #8 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Westmeath - Walsh ranked #8 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Kildare - Walsh ranks #9 based on the occurrence of the names in records entered to date in the Irish Genealogical Project database being complied at Kildare County Library.
County Tipperary - Walsh ranked #10 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Carlow - Walsh ranked #11 in an analysis of the 1852 Griffiths Valuation of household surnames.
County Dublin - Walsh ranked #13 in 1890 according to Matheson.
County Kerry - Walsh ranked #14 in 1890 according to Matheson.
Walsh of County Waterford
One of the Walshs of Waterford City had their country place at Ballygunner, an estate
of near 2000 acres, a few miles southeast of the city. The townlands of Ballgunner More,
Ballygunner Temple and Ballygunner Castle mark their location. Their castle is
still there (in 1900), and is used as a residence. They were known as Walsh "of the
Island," as having come originally from "the Great Island" in
County Wexford,
east of the Waterford City across the bay. There seems to have been a
succession of Knights in the family beginning, perhaps, with Sir Patrick
around 1550. There was a Sir Robert in 1614 and a Sir James, a member of
Parliament, in 1634. James' son Robert was the last Walsh owner of the
property at Ballygunner.
The first Sir Robert, grandfather of the last, made in 1629 a deed of gift
to John Lea and Thomas Lumbard for the benefit of his wife, Bessie Lea,
and his daughters Margaret and Mary; and a will which mirrors the patriarchal
manners of the time and place. His son Sir James married the eldest
daughter of Pierce Butler of Callan. James' brother Pierce Walsh married
Anne, daughter of Sir Justinian Isham of Glendon, Northhampton, England.
Pierce had a daughter, Mary, who married Robert Walsh of Castehale and
Clonassy, who was killed at the seige of Limerick.
In the next generation the signs of catastrophe appeared. James' son,
Sir Robert (the younger), was created Baronet by Charles II and married Mary
Sherlock, daughter of George. Sir Robert lost the property as an Irish
Papist in Cromwell's time, but had it restored when Charles II came back.
He had gone into exile with Charles in 1648 and in 1663 the Merry Monarch
showed himself not ungrateful. Robert's property was stated at 2,857 acres
in Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny. The estates were all confiscated in 1691.
Pierce, son of Robert (the younger), went to France where he married
Henrietta Marie de Monozar, of the Court of Lorraine, and predeceased his
father, leaving a daughter Mary who married Pierce Aylward.
Of other Walsh families of Waterford included Henry Walsh who had a
patent granted by Henry VIII on August 15, 1546 for establishment of Holy Ghost hospital at Greyfriars.
Over the entrance of the Holy Ghost Hospital was a plaque stating that it was founded
by Patrick Walsh in 1545.
A possible ancestor of this family is mentioned in a history of Waterford city,
where in A.D. 1368, "Richard le Walshe, Master of the Hospital (that is to say the Knights Hospitallers of St. John),... were amongst the slain". Richard was also Justice of the Peace for the county.
Another notable family in Waterford were the Walshs of Piltown. In 1670 their (partially confiscated) lands were cited at 11,992 acres in the county
at a rent of £112 8s. 6d. per annum. The lands noted included those of Piltowne, Monolerys, Rath, Knockbane, Kilgabrell, Lougtan,
Clashmore, Currymore, Croskea, Ballykeroges, Ballnivoiges, Ballyvile, Island, Durren, Shanakeele, Knockdumlea, Milerstowe,
Glandalgin, in the Barony of Deeses; and the lands of Coolroe, Kiljamis and Whitestowne, in the Barony of Upperthird.
The family also held land 1,573 acres in County Kilkenny at a rent of £19 10s. 10d. per annum, which included : Balyshea in the Barony of Knocktopher ; and Tiniskelly (Tiniscolly), Mongan, Tyreloyne (Tintine) and Cooleveheny (Coolreney) in the Barony of Ida, Igrin and Obercon.
Also of note were those who served the church. The Annals of the Four Master records for the year 1208,
"David Breathnach (Walsh), Bishop of Waterford, was slain by O'Faelan of the Desies". Patrick
Walshe was Bishop of Waterford and Lismore from 1551 to 1579. His son the Rt. Reverend Nicholas
Walsh of Waterford was Bishop of Ossory (died 1585) and is remembered as the man who introduced
Irish type to the native printing press in connexion with his unfinished translation into Irish of the New Testament.
A note which may refer to a very early Walsh land grant in Waterford cites William Walensis, who in 1232 "makes with the King a fine of 60 marks to have confirmation of a fee called Glenocher in Dessya of the gift of Thomas Fitz Anthony." A William
le Waleys (Walsh) is known to have had early grants about this time in the Comeragh Mountains of Waterford, in particular in the area of Glenahiry. Others of similar descent were established at Piltown on the Waterford side of the River Blackwater near Youghal, their relatives, beginning with Gilbert Walsh [see Co. Cork], being located just across the river.
There is a record of a trial in Waterford as early as 1310, when the British law was still new to the nation, in which Robert le Waleys, a Briton, was charged with the murder of John, the son of Ivor MacGillemory.
Walshs who were Mayors of Waterford included John (1407), Roger (1420), Richard (1451 & 1458), Richard (1521), Peter (1522), Patrick (1528 & 1532), James (1539 & 1547), David (1551), Robert (1555), Henry (1556), James (1562), Peter (1564 & 1569), James (1574), Sir Patrick (1578), Robert (1601-2-13), James (1631), and Sir John (1648).
In 1414 Nicholas Walsh was high Sheriff of the County of Waterford, as was Robert in 1634.
In the office of bailiff or sheriff of the city, the Walsh name appears on record in 1522, 1528, 1532, 1534, 1541, 1543, 1544, 1551, 1553, 1556, 1556, 1561, 1562, 1574, 1576, 1578, 1582, 1584, 1585, 1588, 1596, 1597, 1602, 1607, 1613, 1642, and 1646.
Walsh of County Laois (Leix, Queens)
Ballykilcavan, located in Queens County (Laois), just east of Stadbally,
is shown on the old maps as McEven, which is as near as the map makers got to many of the old names.
After the destruction of the Kildares (the FitzGerald Earls of Kildare),
the place seems to have passed to one Hartpole, whose possessions in Carlow
and Queens were extensive. Oliver Walsh bought it of him in 1640. Whether it
had been a Walsh possession before that, nothing appears to show. It is not
far from several places where the Walshs were rather numerous.
A hundred years later the heirs of Hartpole tried and failed to get it away
from the heirs of Oliver Walsh, who at that time (1738) was Colonel Hunt Walsh of
Ballykilcavan, Esquire. It was members of this family who, thirty years
later, participated in elaborating the "Note and Synopsis of the Genealogy
of Walsh (and the Austrian Wallis')". This document alludes to an ancient link between the
Ballykilcavan Walshs and the the Walsh of the Mountain in Kilkenny.
Walshs in Counties Wexford and Carlow
One of the earliest Cambro-Norman colonizations in Ireland following the
initial campaigns in 1169 A.D. were made in the southern district of Wexford
under grant to Harvey de Monte Marisco (Mount Morris or Montmorency), an
uncle of Strongbow, who accompanied Robert FitzStephen to Ireland.
In 1247, Robert le Waleis held 1/4 knight's fee at Ballyranchan, perhaps Ballyrankin,
parish of Kilrush, barony of Scarawalsh. The tenant was a member of the numerous families of
Walsh (le Walies, Wallensis). They are next heard of here in 1286 when David Valens' (Valensis)
rendered 10s. (i.e. for 1/4 fee) for the service of Balliattam (sic). There was an inquisition in 1306,
at which Henry le Waleys was a juror, and at which it was found that Robert le Waleys held at
Balitankan (Ballyrankin, Kilrush parish, Scarawalsh) for a quarter of one knight's fee.
This fee was held by Robert le Waleys at Balytaucan, or Balytankan, according to the inquisition
on Earl Roger Bigod's Irish estates taken at Carlow on Saturday after the close of Easter, 35 Edward I
(April 8, 1307).
In Hore's History of Wexford there are records for "le Waleys," "Walens,"
"de Wallia," and finally "Walsh," beginning with 1277, when Henry and
Robert le Waleys were jurors at an inquisition to ascertain the extent
of the property of Roger Bygod, earl of Norfolk. In 1282 and for several
years afterwards "Griffin Walens," son of Richard, was provost of the Manor
of Old Ross, and some of his statements of account are still preserved,
including one for the period "from the feast of St. Michael in the tenth
year until the Saturday next after the feast of St. Augustine (May 26) in the
eleventh year of King Edward I." Griffin was still Provost in 1287. In 1288,
his son, Henry FitzGriffin, was Provost of the Burgh at New Ross.
In 1311 John "de Wallia" was provost of New Ross. In 1331 this John was pardoned
for his failure to make prompt payment "owing to the civil war imminent in those parts."
The area around Old Ross, in co. Wexford, has been associated with a family
of 'Howels' who appear to have connection with Walsh of the Mountain in co.
Kilkenny. This was at Courthoyle, on Carrickbyrne mountain. For more information
on this family see Hoel of Carrickbyrne.
In 1358 Philip Walsh was a juror among those called to allot a dowry to Roesia
Meyler. Roesia's lands in Wexford included Clonmine, Taghmon, and Duncormick, nearby
Old Ross. In 1361, David Walsh was running ships capable of carrying twenty casks
of wine from New Ross to the king at Liverpool and Chester. In 1368 Richard,
Henry and David Walsh were in court in New Ross, and the jury found that
"David did not insult Richard Neville on the Saturday next before the feast
of St. John the Baptist."
James Walsh was a juror in the inquisition taken at Ross in 1411, where it was found
that among those who were tenants of Thomas Mowbray was "Walsh of Polrankan".
A feodary taken circa 1425 cites a knight's fee of 1/4 fee, the holder is unnamed but the place is cited as Pohanken,
which has been interpreted as Polrankan [Pollrankin], parish of St. Michael's, barony of Forth, co. Wexford.
We do know that there was a Walshe of Polrankan numbered among the gentry of the county in 1598, according
to Hogan's Description of Ireland in 1598. In 1636 John Walsh died, holding the vill of Polrankin with lands in
Ballyknockan, also in the parish of St. Michael's, Forth, according to the Inquisitions of County Wexford,
no. 112 of Charles I.
In 1422, "the King desired to grant to Edward Ferrers certain privileges at
12 pounds a year, out of which "Thomas Walleys, by color of a commission as
receiver or appropriator, receives 10 marks (or 1/4 knight's fee) by the name of his fee," which
must have been very annoying.
In 1518, before an inquisition at New Ross, Henry Walsh and others complained
that Richard Walsh, junior, Patrick Walsh, Robert Walsh, (and many others)
"came from Waterford with many Spaniards, Frenchman, Bretons and Irish,
riotously, with a fleet of boats and ships, in piratical or warlike fashion,
variously armed," on the 20th of May of that year, and did much damage.
By 1591, however, a different basis had been established, for among those using
ships calling at New Ross were Robert Walsh of Waterford, with a consignment
of shoes, etc.; Edmund Walsh of Waterford with a consignment of hardware; and
Richard Walsh of New Ross with a load of furnishings. The good ship Ann Synott
also brought for Judge Walsh (Sir Nicholas) a chest and a barrel, containing
clothes for himself (six suits), cloth for his wife, "1.2 cwt. of cheese" and
"12 cwt. of black sope."
The last entry in Hore is that of a pardon for Tibbot Walshe Fitz John of
Kilgoban (Kilgibbon, Clonmore parish, Shelmalire), in 1602.
It was from these Walshs around old Ross, New Ross, the Great Island, (and
perhaps the other Wexford places) that the great Waterford merchants derived
the designation "Of the Island." The Great Island,
indeed, while bigger than "the Little Island," is not too big to fit easily,
as it does, into the harbor of Waterford. Griffin, son of Richard, of 1282,
was a first class business man, so his Waterford descendants came honestly
by the talents which they applied to their opportunities.
Placenames that indicate an early Walsh presence in Wexford include the barony of
Scarawalsh, as well as the 496 acre townland of the same name and place which is located
in the civil parish of Ballycarney, next to Kilrush, all within the barony of Scarawalsh in
the northern part of Wexford. The Walshs of Balyrankin, just east of the Blackstairs Mountains,
were there in the 13th century.
Just across the Wexford border into County Carlow, on the western slope of the Blackstairs Mountain,
is the townland of Ballynabranagh, or Walshtown, another early indication of Walsh
presence near Kilrush and Scarawalsh. Across the county in that part of northwestern
County Carlow near the Kilkenny border are included the placenames of Ballinabranagh and
Knocknabranagh, again referencing a possible early Walsh presence. Knocknabranagh is on the
Kilkenny/Carlow border just west of Oldleighlin. Ballinabranagh is near the co. Laois border a few miles
northeast of Oldleighlin.
In the Extent of Lands in Co. Carlow, 30 June, 1303, we find Thomas and John Walensi (le Waleys or Walsh)
mentioned among the tenants. Thomas is cited with a carucate in le Corrauth, and John is mentioned in connection
to le Cloweran.
In the south of Wexford in barony of Forth is the townland of Walsheslough, located in the civil parish of Rosslare.
Walshestown is the name of a townland, located in the parish of Ishartmon and the parish of Rathmacknee.
The above named townlands are just a few miles south from the home of the Walshs of Polrankin.
In the neighboring barony of Bargy, the placename of Walshgraigue
in the parish of Ambrosetown attests to the presence of Walsh families there, likely from
an early period following the Cambro-Norman invasion of the late 12th century. Walshgraigue is
a few miles south of the Walshs of Courthoyle, and in between Taghmon and Duncormick where Philip
Walsh was a juror in 1358.
Walsh of County Kerry
In 1769 the 'Genealogy Notes and Synopsis of the Family of Walsh' was presented
to Alexander Julius Caesar Walsh and Peter Augustus Alexander Walsh,
two brothers who were born in Co. Kerry in 1740 and 1744. It was a document interpreting and
confirming a statement of their pedigree, and was furnished by William Hawkins, Ulster King at arms.
The two brothers came back to Ireland from Germany where they were officers in the army. In 1769
they and probably saw prospects of sharing the advancement attained
by many of their countrymen, seeking documentary proof of their descent from the same stock as the
already enobled Walshs (Wallis) of Austria.
In the Hawkins Synopsis it states that
"The Walshs were called 'Waleys' (Welsh), and therefore the name is now written both 'Walsh' and 'Wallis'. The first of the name who settled in Ireland were David and Philip Walsh, brothers, barons of Cornwall in England (descended from the famous David, King of Wales) who with many of the principal nobles both in England and Wales, Followed, in 1171, Richard de Clare, Earl of Strongbow and their uncle. Henry II coming to Ireland in the year 1172 created David Walsh baron of Carrickmaine in Dublin, at Old Connaught in Wicklow, and Abington in Limerick. David married to Mary McCarthy, eldest daughter of Justin of Aglias and Sarah O'Sullivan, receiving with her from her father much land in Kerry, where he erected
three castles which may still be seen [in 1769], called Castle Walsh of Alan, of Cusneen and of Murry,
which castles are situated at the foot of Knockatee. From David was lineally descended Thomas John Reymund Walsh, of Carrickmaine in Dublin and John's Cross in Kerry, and dynast of Castle Walsh." The 'Synopsis' goes on to talk state that
Alexander and Peter Walsh were descended from Thomas Walsh of Castle Walsh. The document itself is attested by, among others, two Bishops, two Lords, as well as Colonel Hunt Walsh, of the Ballykilcavan Walshes, and Colonel Robert Walsh.
The placenames mentioned in the 'Synopsis' include Knockatee ("the hill of the great house"),
Kilcusnaun ("Cusnan's Church"), and Kilmurry ("Mary's Church"), all appearing on a parish map in (or near)
Ballincuslane, [Barony of Trughanacmy], County Kerry, just east of Castleisland, near the foot of the mountains there.
There is a tradition that it was by his marriage with Eleanor, daughter of a Sir William of Kilmurry,
that Desmond (the FitzGerald Earl of Desmond) got his first lands in Kerry.
Besides the settlements effected by the sons of Philip Walsh (said brother of
David mentioned above) to the west of the Killarney Lakes in 1207, there was
another settlement near Castle Island, in the territory of Meyler Fitz-Henry.
This is the area mentioned in the Hawkins 'Synopsis' as having been settled by the family of
David Walsh. Gilbert Walsh of the other family was active in Kerry in 1281. There must have been a
considerable development of the family towards Killorglin, Tralee and
Dingle, and in the other direction into Limerick. Philip le Waleys was at
Knockainy in Limerick in 1229, Canon Begley (the historian) mentions a
Lisnebrannagh not far from the Kerry border, and then there was Caslane
Brenagh near Owney. [Note: Brenagh, Brannagh and le Waleys being early
forms of the surname Walsh.]
One of the earlier references to the Branaghs [or Walshes] of County Kerry comes
from the "Annals of the Four Masters", where in the year 1366 it mentions,
Conor O'Conor, Lord of Ciarraighe-Luachra, was slain by the Branaghs (Breathnach), The Gaelic
version of the same quote from the annals is, Conchobhar Ua Concobair tighearna Ciarraighe Luachra do
mharbhadh do Branachaibh. Another version goes, Connor, son of Dermod, was
lord of Kerry Luachra, and was slain in his 58th year by the Walshes of Kerry.
Much later, after 1642, Nicholas Walsh of Tralee (Kerry) was mentioned in
the Royal Declaration of Thanks, issued by Charles II after his Restoration,
as having specially befriended the King. Nevertheless his lands, which had
been confiscated by the Cromwellians, were not restored. They went to Colonel Sankey.
Of further note is a mention to 'Walsh of Ballinvoher' in the King James Army List of
1689, Ballinvoher cited in various placenames to the east and also to the north of Tralee.
At the time of the Cromwellian confiscations, John Walsh's lands at Cuillinaghmore
(Kerry) went to Jane, Countess of Monmouth -- the wife of Charle's II
natural son who led the English rebellion against his uncle, King James II.
The townland of Ballybrannagh, near Ballymacelligott, and between Castleisland and Tralee,
marks a spot just a few miles east of the Walshs of Knockatee, and would appear to have connections
to an early Walsh family there.
In Petty's 1659 "census" the names Welsh and Brenagh are recorded among the prinicipal Irish names in the Barony of
Trughanacmy, in which lie the parishes of Ballincuslane, Castleisland, Tralee, and part of Killorglin.
Walsh of County Tipperary
James Walsh was evidently comfortably established at Grealaghbbeg about 1600
(Ref: Lodge - Peerage of Ireland), and the Walshs of Rathronan appear to
have been there a very long time. Sir Richard of 1318 seems to have been near
Clonmel. In 1356 Thomas Walleys was one of about twenty in "the Cross of
Tipperary," who selected Andrew Hackett as sheriff, "the Cross" being a section
held by the King outside "the County."
Circa 1250 William Walensis was 'lord of Rathronan'. In 1358 Thomas Walshe was of
Rathronan, and a David son of Thomas Walsh was a juror at Clonmel between 1402-1404.
In 1421 John Walsh was of Rathronan just back of Clonmel, and in 1542 James Walsh of
Rathronan was one of the "gentlemen inheritors and freeholders" of Tipperary. James Walshe of Rathronan
is also mentioned in 1548. From 1550 to 1570
there was a David Walsh of Rathronan, and in 1642 the family was still there, for "Captain
James Walsh, son and heir of Daniel Walsh of Rathronan, with James Tobin,
son and heir to Thomas Tobin of Reylregannah, a captain among the rebels,
and Pierce Butler of Banshagh, son and heir to Sir Richard Butler Knight, and
three hundred horsemen," was accused by Judah Sherman, of Ballingarry, parish
of Lismore, of driving away his cattle." Confiscation presumably followed
the allegations, a sign of the times.
The notorius John Walsh was Legal Adviser to Cromwell and Agent to the Duke of
Ormond. He was one of the only Walshs left alive in Clonmel, County Tipperary, after
the siege by Cromwell's soldiers in 1650.
In the surviving records from the 1664 Hearth Money Rolls for the barony of Iffa & Offa,
Co. Tipperary, are the following" Lewis Walsh at Curraghdobbin; Morris Walsh at
Ballydine; Thomas Walsh at Newton Anner; Owen Walsh at Ballyboe; Oliver, Walter, James,
and Jeffry Walsh at Killornry; James Walsh and William Welsh at Coolonan; Jeffry Walsh and
Mary Welsh at Templny; James Walsh at Cahir Abbey; Thomas Welsh and Walter Wallice at Carrick;
James Welsh in Ballynecloony; James and Thomas Welsh at Redmondstown [Clonmel]; David Welsh at Killmore;
John Welch at Lisdobur [Lissodober]; none at Rathronan.
Lest we forget the alternate spelling of the Walsh name, Brenagh, in the same 1664 record, here they are:
Philip, Peter and Richard Brenagh of Carrick, William Brenagh of Moortown, Edmund Brenagh and William fitz James Brenagh
of Ardfinan, Morris Brenagh of Newcastle, Laurence Brennagh of Cloghcully, Edmond Brennock of Ballygarrane.
In Petty's "1659 census" an Edmond Walsh, gent., is listed as 'tituladoe' at Cloyne in the parish of Corbally, Barony of Ikerrin, in northern Co. Tipperary, indicating that he was a major land-holder there.
The 263 acre townland of Clonwalsh, in the parish of Kilgrant, barony of Iffa and Offa East,
likely marks a territory of some of the earliest Walsh families in Tipperary. Clonwalsh guarded the
mountain pass from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir. In 1335 we find Caterina Walche at Clonmel. In the 1358
please of assizes at Clonmel is listed Thomas and Robert Walshe, both 'filius Episcopi', sons of the bishop.
In 1374 Henry Walsh is listed among the jurors at Conmel. In 1375 Thomas Braynok (Breatnach) is listed
as sub-serjeant of Iffa. In the 1384 pleas of assizes at Conmel we find Richard Walsh on a plea of debt,
and Philip Walsh paying a fine. Again at Clonmel in 1384 we find Richard Walsh, Treasurer of the
Liberty of Tipperary. About 1403 David son of Thomas Walsh is among the jurors at an inquisition
taken before William son of Peter le Botiller, seneschal. In 1404 Henry Bretnagh and Philip Walshe are jurors at
Clonmel. In 1442 Henry son of Tancard Walsch is listed as a burgess of Clonmel.
In the extent of the manor of Thurles in May, 1303, Hugh Walensis is listed as a juror, and the following are
noted as tenants: Ithel Walensi, Clemente Walensi, William Walensi, and Adam Walensi.
In 1305, Adam Waleys was among the jurors at an inquisition outlining the extent of the manor of Ardmayle in
co. Tipperary. In 1308-9, a John Walshe is listed as a juror at an inquisition concerning the rental of the barony
of Knockgraffon, co. Tipperary.
Other Tipperary
townlands include Walshpark in the parish of Dorrha, Lower Ormond, just west of Birr; as well as
Walshsbog in the parish of Kiltinan, Middlethird, at the foot of the mountain just north of Clonwalsh,
guarding the pass from Clonmel to Callan in co. Kilkenny. Walshsbog marks the western edge of
the Walsh Mountains extending from Co. Kilkenny into County Tipperary.
Walsh of County Cork
In 1199, when Meyler Fitz-Henry was Viceroy, there was a series of grants
where Maurice Fitz Philip (son of the first Philip Walsh in Ireland?)
was granted lands of the value of five knights' fees in the Cantred of
Fontimel. This was in the territory near Kilmallock, a district afterwards
known as Clangibbon, in Cork, Limerick and Tipperary, in which there were
Walshs for the rest of the period. The "Gibbon" derives from Gilbert
Fitzgerald, and there are two Gilbert Walshs in his time, all three so named
out of compliment of Gilbert de Clare (of Strongbow's family), with whose
family the Fitzgeralds (later Earls of Kildare) were allied by marriage,
and whose fortunes both Fitzgerald and Walsh supported in the field.
In 1207 when Meyler Fitz-Henry was preparing to subdue Kerry, he himself
claimed several cantreds including Eoghenacht Lochlein (Killarney) and
Ackmikerry (Trughanacmy, or Aicme Ciarraighe).
A grant was made to Maurice Aeneas (Eynon) Fitz-Philip, Henry
Fitz-Philip and Audeonus (Owen) Fitz-Philip (all sons of Philip Walsh?).
This grant was made in the cantred in which Dunlehoth is situated. It is
probable that Dunlehoth was "Dun Loich" (Dunloe) in Cork where Meyler called
the sons of his friend Philip. In that case the grant would have included
the land from Dunloe toward Killorglin, (now the parish of Dunkerron).
This is likely since Dunloe Castle, near Killarney, was built in 1215, and the other Walsh
castles, Kilmurry, Kilcusneen, etc., are in Meyler's lands in Ackmikerry
(in County Kerry).
Notes: The Annals of Innisfallen cite 1207 as the date the castle of Dún Lóich was built.
MacCarthaigh's Book cites for the year 1206, "the castle of Dún Lóich was built by the Galls",
and again for the year 1214 "another castle [was built] by
the son of Thomas [FitzGerald] at Dún Lóich, and one at Killorglin."
In 1278 William le Waleys was bailiff (sheriff) of Gilbert de Clare in
Somerset, and the lands of Gilbert Walsh near Midleton in Cork were held
from Gilbert de Clare, as disclosed by the inquisition held after the death
of his wife, Isabel de Clare.
In 1280 Gilbert Walsh was evidently the head of a family in the mountains to
which Desmond had been driven by the McCarthys. Gilbert was fighting against them, in
company with the Barrys, in support of the FitzGeralds. And yet when the war was over and
Donal Og McCarthy was in trouble Gilbert was bondsman for him. Gilbert, for his services
to the Desmonds; was made sheriff of Cork, and there is at Walshtown and Ballybrannagh, near
Midleton, the reminder of his having been owner of the large property of Roskellar.
John, William, Simon and David le Waleys were at places near Nenagh (Cork)
in 12 Edward III (12th year of King Edward III's reign, ca. 1338). "Rathbregnath"
(Castle Brenagh) is mentioned in the inquisitions of the same year.
(Source: Walsh 1170 - 1690)
Tynte's Castle in Youghal, County Cork, is the only remaining fortified house within that town. What is known is that the castle was erected in the 15th century as a fortified residence of the Cambro-Norman Walshe family. It remained as part of the estate of this merchant family until they forfeited it in 1584 and acquired by the town Corporation. The Walshe's sided with the Earl of Desmond during his unsuccessful rebellion against English power in Munster in the mid 16th century. Subsequently the Castle passed to the Corporation of Youghal; who in turn leased it to Sir Robert Tynte of Somerset, England.
The Dominican friary there, built 1268, was granted in 1581 to William Walsh. John
Thickpenny, gent, got it afterwards.
In 1592, one Henry Walsh is cited as the mayor of Cork City.
The village of Walshtown and the 4 townlands named Walshtown are located in the neighboring parishes of Templenacarriga and Ballyspillane and indicate an early area occupied by the Walshs. Ballynabrannagh, two townlands indicating the same Walsh connections, are in neighboring Ballycurrany parish, all of the above located in the hills just north of Midleton. Ballybranagh, in the parish of Cloyne, is just south of Midleton. Clangibbon (mentioned earlier) was just north of the Walshtown area. Two other townlands, named Walshestown, are located in the middle section of County Cork, one located in the north in the parish of Churchtown (immediately east of the village of Churchtown), and the other located just west of Cork city in the parish of Athnowen.
A Walsh family from England, barons Ormathwaite, had lands in County Cork (and Kerry) as recorded in the UK National Register of Archives.
Walsh of County Mayo
Using statistics abstracted from the civil records of birth for the year 1890 as published in 1909 by Sir Robert Matheson in his
Special Report on Surnames in Ireland, the Walsh surname ranked #1 in the county with 134 births. Gallagher, with 92 births, was in 2nd place.
The surname Walsh (Bhailsech or Breathnach) seems to be first mentioned in Co. Mayo by Dubhaltach MacFirbis in his Tribes and Customs of Hy Fiachrach called O'Dowda's County. Robert de Carew had joined the great enterprise of settling North Mayo, in the early 13th century. Being granted the cantred of Bac and Glen (now Tirawley), he sub-enfeoffed it among his Cork followers. O'Dowda, O'Hara, O'Gara of Gallen, and Sliabh Lugha, chieftains of Tireragh, and other Gaelic owners, were expelled, and a whole body of colinists settled in, the men-at-arms and lieutenants of De Burgo. Their descendants, sprung from the Barrets and their comrades, were known later to the Irish as "the Welshmen of Tirawley', as being derived from the British followers of Strongbow and the Geraldines. Thier names, given by MacFibis, confirm the tradition, such as Barret, Howel (MacHale), Toimilin, Lynnot, Hosdy, Philbin, Merrick, Walsh.
A pedigree of the Walshes of Tirawley, County Mayo, from whom most of the Walshes of Mayo seem to spring, was compiled in 1588 by one Lawrence Walsh. He claimed they were descended from one Walynus, a native of Wales who came to Ireland in 1169 (with Maurice FitzGerald) with his brother Barret from whom, he claims, the bearers of the surname Barrett (frequently found in Tirawley) descend. While the surname is widespread throughout the county the greatest concentrations are in the central plain in which the Normans settled. About ninety per cent of the bearers of the surname nowadays spell the surname as Walsh. A further nine presently use the form Walshe while an anglicised version of Breathnach — Brannick — is borne by some families in the parishes of Crossboyne, Kilmaine and Kilcommon. The pronunciation of the surname is more akin to ‘Welch’ (or 'Welsh') than ‘Walsh’ in the Mayo accent. (Source: Gerard M. Delaney.)
It should be noted that Lawrence Walsh made no attempt, as noted by Delaney and by Edward MacLysaght, to identify this Barret (brother of Walynus) as the eponymous ancestor of the Barretts of Connacht and Munster. Lawrence does mention that in the second (Walsh) generation "another man of them settled in Le-Irris Iles or Oules", which would seem to translate into "the Owles of Erris." Owles is the area around the barony of Burrishoole on the northern and eastern shores of Clew Bay, which lay immediately to the south of the barony of Erris. The barony of Tirawley lies to the east of both, and the "central plains of Mayo" are south of Tirawley. For more information on Lawrence Walsh's genealogy, see Descent from Walynus.
According to Dennis McCarthy in his commentary about Samuel Ferguson's The Welshmen of Tirawley, the Barretts drew their pedigree from Walynes, son of Guyndally, the Ard Maor, or High Steward of the Lordship of Camelot, and had their chief seats in the territory of the two Bacs, in the barony of Tirawley, and county of Mayo.
It has been cited that the O'Loughanes, or more precisely the gaelic Ó Lachtnain [Lachtna], were a family of Ui Fiachrach who were chiefs of the Two Bacs and of Glen Nephin [Nemthinne] in the barony of Tirawley, Co. Mayo. They are now disguised under the family name Loftus! (Source: Woulfe's Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall). The Two Bacs are said to comprise the civil parishes of Ballynahaglish and Kilbelfad, east of Lough Conn, in the barony of Tirawley, northeast-central County Mayo, anciently part of Tir-Amhalgaidh.
From the information provided above, the earliest Walsh families would appear to have settled somewhere in the northern half of County Mayo. The only record of a placename (today) appearing to have connections with the Walsh name is the 311 acre townland of Walshpool. This is located on the 'plains of Mayo' in the parish of Drum, Carra, and would seem to indicate an early Walsh presence in that part of south central County Mayo just east of Balla. Although the Walsh name is spread throughout the parishes of county Mayo in the mid 19th century, Griffiths Valuation shows a strong concentration of the name on the plains of Mayo, and particularly in the civil parish of Killedan, near to Walshpool.
Walsh of County Louth
The 217 acre townland named Walshestown in the parish of Rathdrumin, Ferrard, near Grangebellow,
would seem to indicate an early presence of a Walsh family in the southern part of County Louth north and east of Drogheda.
The Walsh Family of Castlebellingham, County Louth is recorded in the UK National Register of Archives.
The Walsh Family of Ardagh, County Louth is recorded in the UK National Register of Archives.
A record from the Limerick General Advertiser or Gazette date August 14, 1810 states, "On Tuesday last at St Margarets Church Westminster Lt Col Walsh of the 9th Regiment [married] to Mrs HOPKINS widow of Charles HOPKINS Esq and daughter of the late Col [John] Bellingham of Ardagh near Drogheda, [Co. Louth]."
Walsh of County Galway
It is believed the Walshes arrived in Galway some time after the initial arrival of the Normans,
Welsh and Flemish in Ireland about 1172. It is likely they did not become established until after the de Burgo family
was regranted "the whole kingdom of Connacht", taking effect about 1223 when Cathal O'Connor
died. Richard de Burgo built a castle in what was to become Galway city between 1232 and
1236, opening the door for grants of territories to the other newcomers.
There are strong reasons to conclude that a colony from Wales settled in this part of Ireland about the end of the reign of
Henry III (c. 1272), many original Welch names frequently occur in old records about, and long after, that period, viz. Brechnocke, Llewellyn, Howel, and several others (source: James Hardiman's The History of Galway). In the account of the County of Connaught, from 1279 to 1281, by Henry de Rupe (Roche,) then sheriff, it appears that the king's peace was granted to Howel, son of Crannow le Waleis (source: Rot. Pip. 9 B. T.)
The two tiny townlands in central County Galway named Walsh's Island, in the parishes of Annaghdown
and Killeany respectively, would indicate a presence of a Walsh family near there. A village named
Ballyhale, a name connected to the Walshs of Co. Kilkenny, is located in this area near the eastern shore of Lough Corrib.
The small parish of Killoran in the southeastern section of Galway contains a townland named
Walshtown, just south of the village of Killoran.
Walsh of County Roscommon
One of the earlier Walsh references for the county includes that of Meiler de Bermingham, 2nd Baron of Athenry and founder of the town of Athenry, who purchased land from Sir Robert Breynach (Breathnach, or Walsh) for 160 marks in 1241 and presented it to the Dominican friars together with another 160 marks. This became the site of the Dominican Priory of SS. Peter and Paul.
An Inquisition taken at Roscommon on Tuesday next after the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, in the 29th year of Edward I (c. 1300) by writ of the same by, among others Thomas Walsh (Walensis). (Source: Calendar of the Ormond Deeds 1173-1350 A.D.)
The Walshs of Crannagh, and of Mul Hussey, are one of the Walsh families with documented history in County Roscommon.
Walsh of County Limerick
The first mention of a Walsh in Limerick is the story of David Walsh who was apparently granted lands in Abington in Limerick about the year 1172. Unfortunately there is no documenary information about the grant other than from later Walsh history [source: J.C. Walsh, Walsh 1170-1690]. The story of David's brave deed at the battle of Limerick, about the year 1175, is shared by a number of sources, perhaps beginning with Giraldus Cambrensis' account of the battle - see Carrickmines. In Giraldus's history he cites David as a nephew of Raymond le Gros, one of the of the early leaders of the initial Cambro-Norman incursions into Ireland in 1170.
We find a Nicholas Walsh listed as Sheriff of the city of Limerick in the year 1218. In 1229 there was a Philip le Waleys named to an important arbitration at Knockainey in Limerick. A John Walsh is listed as Sheriff of Limerick in 1281 &1282, and a Nicholas Walsh is listed as Sheriff there in 1296. Another Nicholas Walsh was Sheriff there, off-and-on, from 1398 up to 1426. A William Wailsh was Mayor of Limerick in 1434.
Among the plea rolls in Birmingham-tower (Rot. Fin. Berm. tur de an. 35 Hen. III) there is an instance where Walter,
prior of St. John's without Newgate [Dublin], recovered by fine against Richard Bretnagh, the lands of Coulkoyl in the county of Limerick, before the justices itinerant at Limerick in trinity term, 35 Hen. III., i.e. 1251. (note: Bretnagh cited as a possible early form of the surname Walsh)
A townland named Walshestown is located in the south-central portion of west Kerry, just east of the town of Newcastle West.
Walsh of County Kildare and Meath
In 1282 "Henry fitz Rhys, son of Henry, Lord of Penkoyte, confirmed to Christ Church, Dublin, a grant made by his ancesters to Holy Trinity, of the advowsons of the chapel anciently called Kylengly, but after the arrival of the English and Welsh in Ireland called Penkoyte, belonging to Kylculen Church, the property of Holy Trinity."
The antiquarians who have written about Kilcullen [Co. Kildare], and who have identified it only with the Eustaces, are mystified by early references to Henricus filius Philipi de Castle Martyn (a castle on the Liffey near New Kilcullen) and Nicholas filius Nicholi de Castromartin." Richard FitzEustace was there in 1200. "Richard de Penkeston" and Geoffrey Fitz-Eustace were Sheriffs of Kildare in 1355. The Parliamentary Gazeteer says Kilcullen was known as Penkoyle. Brannockstown, Walshestown, Castle Walsh, Ballimore, Bally Three Castles and Walshtown in Wicklow are all close by, and have been associated with the name Walsh.
It is evident that the lords of Penkoyte kept alive the memory of Philip "Fitz-Rhys" at the same time as they were known as "Waleys". Mr. Curtis (Medieval Ireland) comments that "Fitz-Rhys" disappears from the records in the 14th century. No doubt this was because "Walsh" was by then generally established in Kildare. (Source: Walsh 1170-1690)
Among the families who lost their estates in the time of Cromwell (mid-17th century) were the Walshs of Moortown. A memorial in the vicinity of Donaghcomper Church commemorates the Walsh family, one of whom died in 1711. This family, which once owned the Moortown area, was for long
prominent in local affairs.
Of early note included Walter Walsh who as Dean of Kildare in 1610; Oliver Walsh (died 1621) of Newtown, Dorenore;
Nicholas Walsh of Moortown; and Reverend John Walsh of Castledermot, Chancellor of the Diocese of Kildare,
in 1624.
Peter Walsh, a supporter of the Ormondist party during the time of the Confederation of Kilkenny, was born between 1608 and 1618 in Moortown, County Kildare. He was educated and ordained a Franciscan priest in the celebrated Irish College of St. Anthony at Louvain. Peter took a leading part in the agitation against the validity of the censures fulminated by the nuncio, Rinuccini, and acted as chaplain to the Munster army till its final defeat by the Parliamentary forces.
Among the placenames in County Kildare include three townlands named Walshestown, two just south and southwest of Naas, and the other southeast of Naas nearer to Kilcullen. The church at Walshestown, or 'chapel Villae Walensium', in the deanery of Ballymore, is mentioned in the tax rolls of Holy Trinity Church, Dublin, circa 1294, when the rents were "nothing but waste", indicating the area was in control of the Irish. Brannockstown and Ballymore are just south of the two adjacent Walshetown townlands.
In County Meath there are allusions to possible Walsh families, circa 1280, when William de Braynoc, as well as William the Welshman (le Waleys), were witnesses to a grant by "John le Brun to his son Thomas of lands extending from the land of Nicholas de Braynoc, on the east,... and the tenement of Moyahan on the west". This was the area around Rodanstown in the lordship of Moyglare in the southernmost part of county Meath, on the co. Kildare border, near to Dublin, and an area quite close to the Walshs mentioned in Lawrence Walsh's genealogy published in 1588.
For more information on the Kildare and Meath Walshs (of Lawrence's genealogy), see Descent from Walynus.
Walsh of County Offaly (King's County)
Ranking 8th among surnames in the county of Offaly, the early history of the Walsh name is obscure to this
writer. There is however a 700 acre townland, named Walshisland, in the east-central portion of the county which would appear to mark an early presence. It is located southeast of Dangein, and east of Geashill.
Walsh of County Westmeath
Ranking 8th among surnames in the county of Westmeath, the early presence of the Walsh name is marked in two adjacent townlands, totally 1200 acres, and located in the central portion of the county. The townlands, named Walshestown North and Walshestown South, are located just west and northwest of Mullingar.
Walsh of County Sligo
Brenagh, an variant form of Walsh, is recorded in Petty's 1659 "census" as one of the principal Irish names in the parish of Achonry, Barony of Leyny.
Walsh of County Dublin and Wicklow
Reference to the Walshs of Carrickmines, of south Dublin. The townland of Walshestown is located in the
northern portion of County Dublin, northwest of Lusk. The placenames of Walsh's Court and Walsh's Row are located within the city of Dublin. Of the Mayors of Dublin included John Walshe (1426-27) and Thomas Walshe (1459-60).
Walsh of County Kilkenny
Reference to the Walshs of the Mountain
Reference Dates: Kings of England
Henry III - 1216-1272
Edward I - 1272-1307
Edward II - 1307-1327
Edward III - 1327-1377
Richard II - 1377-1399 (deposed)
Henry IV - 1399-1413
Henry V - 1413-1422
Henry VI - 1422-1461, 1470-1471
Edward IV - 1461-1470, 1471-1483
Edward V - 1483
Richard III - 1483-1485
Henry VII - 1485-1509
Henry VIII - 1509-1547
Edward VI - 1547-1553
Walsh Surname - Origins of the Walsh Surname.
Ireland - Early Walsh Heritage in Ireland.
England - Early Walshs in England.
France - The French Connection.
Rev. Carrigan's history of the Kilkenny Walshs - from History of the Diocese of Ossory
Walsh Arms - Variations on Walsh Coats of Arms.
Wales - Exploring Walsh Connections in Wales.
Possible Pedigrees - of Walsh of the Mountain.
Biographies - Short Bio's on notable Walshs, plus links to online Bios.
Place Names - Historical place-names of the family of Walsh.
Griffiths Valuation - Walshs in this mid-nineteenth century land record.
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Walsh in the Early Irish Counties
Thursday, 04-Sep-2003 21:27:01 MDT
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