Corkaree

Corkaree (Irish: Corca Raoi) is a barony in north County Westmeath, in the Republic of Ireland. It was formed by 1672. It is bordered by three other baronies: Fore (to the north), Moyashel and Magheradernon (to the south) and Moygoish (to the west).

Geography

Corkaree has an area of 26,996.9 acres (109.253 km²).

The barony contains two large lakes; Lough Derravaragh, shared with the barony of Fore, and home to the Irish legend of the Children of Lir and Lough Owel an internationally recognised Ramsar waterfowl habitat. In addition Lough Iron, a small lake, lies on the River Inny and is shared with the barony of Moygoish. The lake is not easily accessible as there is no road close to the lake or public access.

The River Inny, flows into Lough Derravaragh, then near the village of Ballinalack. The River Brosna, rises in Lough Owel and, like the Inny, is a tributary of the River Shannon.

The N4, a national primary road passes to the north of Lough Owel, connecting Dublin with the north–west of Ireland and the coastal town of Sligo. A railway line carrying the national rail company Iarnród Éireann's Dublin to Longford commuter service and Dublin to Sligo intercity service also passes through the barony.