They acquired modest local taxation and spending functions in the 19th century before being superseded by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.

[5][6] Inishowen East takes its name from Inishowen, in Irish Inis Eoghain, "Eoghan's island [peninsula]", referring to Eógan mac Néill, a semi-legendary king of the 5th century AD and ancestor of the Cenél nEógain dynasty.

[8] Inishowen East was once part of the ancient kingdom of Moy Ith.

[9] Inishowen was originally a single barony but was divided in the 1830s into West and East.

[10] Below is a list of settlements in Inishowen East:[11]