Ballycowan (barony)

Ballycowan or Ballycowen (Baile Mhic Comhainn) is a barony in County Offaly (formerly King's County), Ireland.

Etymology
Ballycowan derives its name from Ballycowan Castle (near Tullamore) and the townland of Ballycowan (Irish Baile Mhic Comhainn, "settlement of Mac Comhainn").

Location
Ballycowan is located in north County Offaly, around the valleys of the Clodiagh River and Silver River.

History
Ballycowan was part of the territory of the Ó Maolmhuaidh (O'Molloy) sept of the Southern Uí Néill. The Uí Shuanaig (Fox?) sept is cited here near Rathan.

List of settlements
Below is a list of settlements in Ballycowan:
 * Durrow
 * Rahan
 * Screggan
 * Tullamore