Ratoath (barony)

Ratoath is a barony in County Meath. It comprises ten parishes and portion of two others viz Rathbeggan, Dunshaughlin, Kilbrew, Crickstown, Killegland, Cookstown, Donaghmore, Ratoath, and portions of Ballymaglasson and Trevit.

Feudal History

The Normans landed in Ireland in 1169 and captured the Danish city of Waterford. It is likely that the only cities or strongholds in the country at the time were those founded by the Danes, and of these the most important was Dublin, which was captured soon afterwards by Milo de Cogan and successfully held by him in spite of a long siege by Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, the High King of Ireland, who had the co-operation of the Danes.

Henry II of England arrived in Dublin in 1172 and many of the Gaelic Chieftains made their submission to him, i.e., they recognised him as their feudal lord, who gave them the right or title to the lands they held. In other words, Henry applied to Ireland the Norman or feudal system of land tenure which prevailed on the continent and which the Normans introduced into England. This meant displacing some of the native kings – one of whom was the king of Meath or Tara.

Ratoath

Ratoath (Irish: Ráth Tó, meaning "Tó's ringfort") is a town in the barony of the same name in County Meath, Ireland. The town is centred on the point where the R125 and R155 regional roads meet. In the 1996 census, the population was recorded as 1,061. In the 2006 census, it was 7,249. By 2011 the population reached 9,043. The Broad Meadow River (Irish: An Gabhair) flows through the town.

Ratoath is a commuter town with most of its adult population commuting to Dublin to work. More than three quarters of the population traveled to work by car. In 2011 10.9% of the workforce was unemployed compared to the national average of 19%. This may be due to the small percentage of the Ratoath workers employed in the construction sector, with Ratoath having more people than average from higher socio-economic classes. Social class A, employers and managers constitute 717 of the 2,751 households.

Just outside the town is the horse racing track Fairyhouse racecourse, where the Irish Grand National is held.

Ratoath (Parliament of Ireland constituency)

Ratoath was a constituency represented in the Irish House of Commons.

Boundaries and boundary changes

This constituency was the manor of Ratoath in County Meath.

Following the Act of Union 1800 the constituency was disenfranchised.

Members of Parliament

It returned two members to the Parliament of Ireland to 1800.

1692–1801

Notes

Elections

References

See also