County Leitrim – West Breifne and the O'Rourkes of Dromahair
In ancient times Leitrim formed the western half of the Kingdom of Breifne, long dominated by the O'Rourke family of Dromahair, whose heraldic lion still appears on the county shield. After a split in the 13th century, the kingdom divided into East Breifne, today's County Cavan, and West Breifne, today's Leitrim.
When the Normans pushed into south Leitrim, they were defeated at the Battle of Áth an Chip in 1270. In 1620 much of the county was confiscated and granted to new owners who hoped to settle English colonists there, an effort that largely failed. Today Leitrim is a peaceful county of lakes, rivers and hills with around 35,000 residents. Have a Leitrim story to tell? Share it with the community!