Upper Ossory

In late Gaelic Ireland it was the túath of the Mac Giolla Phádraig (Fitzpatrick) family and a surviving remnant of the once larger kingdom of Ossory.

However, in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Gaelic Fitzpatrick family (Irish: Mac Giolla Phádraig) encroached southwards into Kilkenny and ruled as "Lords of Upper Ossory".

[4] In 1442, the Irish Treasury and Exchequer were petitioned to award 100 shillings to the Norman-affiliated inhabitants of the town of Kilkenny, for their military service against the neighbouring Gaels and "especially in breaching the castle of McKilpatrick [sic]".

[6] In 1541, during the Tudor reconquest of Ireland, Barnaby Fitzpatrick (Brían Óg Mac Giolla Phádraig) was created 1st Baron Upper Ossory upon the surrender and regrant of his lands to and by Henry VIII, legitimating his lordship in the eyes of the Dublin Castle administration.

[12] This was at the behest of the Earl of Ormond, who was lord of the manor of Durrow, and wanted to have Fitzpatrick raiders tried at the assizes of Kilkenny, where he could ensure a conviction.

[14] A 1621 inquisition in Maryborough (now Portlaoise) ruled that the king, James I, was lord of Upper Ossory, and he proceeded to grant George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham extensive lands in the barony.

Upper Ossory in Daniel Beaufort 's 1797 map of Ireland; it encloses Durrow , a detached part of County Kilkenny until 1842.
Cullahill Castle; once the most formidable five-story stronghold of the Fitzpatricks . It fell to Cromwellian guns by 1650. [ 2 ]
Cloburren Castle, once home to Teige Fitzpatrick, 4th Baron Upper Ossory .
Ballagharrahin (Ballagh Castle) is a 15th-century five-story towerhouse in Rathdowny parish, Co. Laois used by the Fitzpatricks.