| Tirhugh | |
| Native Name: | Tír Aodha (Irish) |
| Settlement Type: | Barony |
| Pushpin Map: | Ireland |
| Coordinates: | 54.6°N -8°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Sovereign state |
| Subdivision Name: | Ireland |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | Ulster |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name2: | Donegal |
| Area Total Km2: | 509.21 |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 196.61 |
Tirhugh (;) is a barony in County Donegal, Ireland.[1] 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 They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.[2]
Tirhugh takes its name from the Irish Tír Aodha, meaning "Aodh's land", referring to Áed mac Ainmuirech, a semi-legendary 6th century king. The Irish name Áed (Aodh) is conventionally translated as Hugh, although the names are etymologically unrelated.[3]
Tirhugh is located in the south of County Donegal, on the River Erne and the east coast of Donegal Bay. It is the strip of land that connects Donegal to the rest of the Republic of Ireland.[4]
The territory of the O'Gallchobair (Gallagher) was centered here from the Middle Ages onward.[5] The Mac Raith, O'Haedha (O'Hugh or Hayes), MacDonlevy, MacNulty, O'Clery, MacWard, O'Lynch and O'Mullhollan were other local septs.[6] [7]
The Annals of the Four Masters mention Tirhugh several times:[8] [9] [10]
The name "Tirhugh" is used today for the Tirhugh Resource Centre, Ballyshannon, for the local unemployed.[11]
Below is a list of settlements in Tirhugh: