The Kingdom of West Breifne or Breifne O'Rourke was a historic kingdom of Ireland that existed from 1256 to 1605, located in the area that is now County Leitrim. It took its present boundaries in 1583
The Book of Fenagh was inscribed at Fenagh Abbey and documents the politics of the region. It also includes a reproduction of the book of St. Caillin written in 560. The original is held by the Royal Irish Academy
Creevelea Friary was founded by King Eóghan and Queen Margaret O'Rourke in 1508
Brian O'Rourke's castle was situated at Lough Gill. The tower house was demolished and Parke's Castle was built in its stead in 1630. The outer walls are all that remains of the original castle.
Governor Richard Bingham had a personal enmity with the O'Rourkes and occupied West Breifne from 1590 to early 1593
Francisco de Cuéllar was a Spanish sea captain who sailed with the Spanish Armada in 1588 and was wrecked on the coast of Ireland. He gave a remarkable account of his experiences in the fleet and on t
West Breifne
…eighty survivors of the Spanish Armada shipwreck off the County Sligo coast to depart the country in the winter of 1588. Among the survivors was Captain Francisco de Cuellar, who kept a detailed account of the events and was hosted in Ó Ruairc's castle at Lough Gill. His aid to the Spanish would later be used against him…
Streedagh Beach, County Sligo, where Francisco De Cuéllar was shipwrecked
De Cuellar Trail sign at Grange near Streedagh.