02. An Baile Normannach

An Baile Normannach

Bunaíodh an baile Normannach sa 13^ú céad ach bhí, ar ndóigh, na Gaeil ina gcónaí sa cheantar i bhfad roimhe sin. Ainmníodh an baile as an loch a bhfuil sé suite ar a bhruach, Loch Riach nó Riabhach, a chiallaíonn dath liathghlas nó go leor spotaí. Tháinig athrú ar chuid mhór den saol nuair a tháinig na Normannaigh go hÉirinn. Thóg siad túrthithe ionas go mbeadh smacht acu ar na ceantair inar shocraigh said cónaí. Rinne Richard de Burgo, ar bronnadh an teideal “Tiarna Chonnacht” air, caisleán i mBaile Locha Riach sa bhliain 1236. D’fhás an baile mór thart ar an gcaisleán. Bhí Baile Locha Riach ar an bpríomhbhaile nó an príomhdhún daingean ag muintir De Burgo.

The Norman Town

The Norman town was founded in the 13^th century, but of course the area had been settled by the native Irish long before that. The town was named from the lake on which it is set, Loch Roach or Riabhach meaning grey or speckled. When the Normans came to Ireland, many things changed, they built tower houses to control areas where they settled. Richard de Burgo, who was given the title “Lord of Connacht”, built a castle in Loughrea in the year 1236. The town grew around the castle. Loughrea became the capital or main stronghold of the De Burgos.