Given the strong influence exerted by the Cunningham Irish Clan all over the world, we take a look at what can be regarded as Cunningham homelands within Ireland.
Located in the northwest of Ireland within the province of Ulster, Donegal is well known for its strong links to the Cunninghams given that members of the Scottish Cunningham Clan were settled here during the Plantation of Ulster during the 17th Century. The Cunningham name remains strong within Co. Donegal and in particular the historic and influential links can still be felt today with the names of villages such as Manorcunningham and Newtown Cunningham.
Also in Ulster is the county of Down where a sept of the MacDonegan Clan are believed to have taken a twist on the name to MacConegan before eventually changing the name completely to Cunningham to match those of the Scottish plantation families.
The name Cunningham has deep links within Co. Antrim and this heritage also most likely stems from the Scottish settlers who arrived as part of the Ulster Plantation. Antrim is home to the stunning Glens of Antrim which are historic in their own right while one of the world’s finest natural attractions, the Giant’s Causeway is also situated within County Antrim.
The fact that a branch of the native Irish Cunninghams had strongholds in Co. Sligo means that “Yeats County” can most definitely be classed as a homeland of the Cunningham Clan. With an unspoilt coastline where you’ll find seaside gems such as Easkey and Mullaghmore to the dramatic slopes of Ben Bulben (pictured), Sligo is a county with a proud Cunningham heritage.
Other branches of native Cunninghams have roots in both County Galway and County Roscommon, both located within the western province of Connaught. Galway is known for its picturesque landscapes in locations such as Connemara and the Aran Islands (pictured) while Roscommon’s inland location provides it with peaceful, rolling countryside.