Distribution of McCorkells in Donegal 1600's

Although it is easy to assume that the Planter population were distributed evenly throughout Donegal that would be untrue the table on the left shows the distribution of Planters and native Irish in Donegal in 1631.

Figures taken from 'The Laggan Army In Ireland' by Kevin McKenny.

The table shows a high concentration of Scots settlers in the Barony of Raphoe and Boylagh Banagh, the other Barony's are very thinly planted. Only 61 Planters in the whole of Inishowen against a native population of almost 1500. The book goes on to state that this would have roughly been the population at the time of the 1641 Irish Uprising. It seems doubtful to me whether the Planters in areas such as Inishowen could have remained during this period. In all likelihood they would have fled to the relative safety of Derry or Raphoe.

As well as the Baronies the map shows the townlands, this gives an even better idea of the distribution of McCorkells in the 17th and 18th centuries in Donegal as most records do include a townland

17th Century Distribution

Of the seven recorded McCorkell's I have in the 1600's in Donegal all but 2 are in the Barony of Raphoe, 2 in Taughboyne Parish #47 on map and 1 in Raymochy Parish #44 on map the other 2 listed for Raphoe do not state which townland they lived in. Of the other 2 records I have one in Templemore Parish (no longer in existence but including parts of the parishes of Burt #5 on map in Inishowen and Parishes bordering the city of Derry. Again Burt Parish borders on the Barony of Raphoe. My last record for Agney McCorkey, who may or may not be a McCorkell is listed as Inishowen.

So in conclusion for the 17th century a distribution of less than 20 square miles encompasses the spread of the name McCorkell and variants at this time.