The barony of Clogher was a territory formerly known as Kinel Ferady, an anglicisation of a branch of the
Cenél nEóghain, the
Cenél Fearadhaigh, meaning
kindred/descendants of Ferry. This territory was divided into two ancient districts. The
Mac Cathmhaoil (,
Campbell,
MacCawell,
MacCall) were the leading sept of the Cenél Fearadhaigh, and one of the seven powerful septs supporting
O'Neill. The Maolgeimridh () and Maolpadraig () septs are recorded as being in possession of the two districts of the Cenél Fearadhaigh at one stage. The Cenél Fearadhaigh by the 12th century controlled a large portion of County Tyrone and had penetrated deep into County Fermanagh. By the mid-14th century however, the
Maguires would break the power of the Cenél Fearadhaigh in Fermanagh. When the baronies of Ulster were being created by the English around 1585, the general manner was to name it after the principal town or castle lying within the area, in which they held their court, baron, and jail. This resulted in Kinel Ferady being renamed to
Clogher. ==List of main settlements==