became
the English administrative baronies of Corcomroe and Burren respectively. The
O'Loughlin (Ó Lochlainn) clan ruled Boireann down to the mid 17th century from
their chief residence at Gragans Castle (towerhouse not the house of the same
name). The chief of the family was known in later times as the 'Prince of
Burren' and clan members were buried in the family tomb near the altar of
Corcomroe Abbey. Their kinsmen the
O'Connor (Ó Conchubhair) clan ruled CorcoModhruadhIartharach from Dough Castle
near
Liscannor. The villages and
towns found within the medieval territory of
Boireann
include
Lisdoonvarna,
Ballyvaughan,
New Quay
/
Burrin,
Noughaval,Bealaclugga,
Carron
and
Fanore
/
Craggagh.
Burren is rich with historical and
archaeological sites. There are more than 90 megalithic tombs in the area,
portal dolmens (including Poulnabrone
dolmen), a celtic high cross in the village of Kilfenora, and a number of ring
forts - among them the triple ring fort
