Baron of Irrus

The Baron of Irrus is a feudal title connected to a historical land area in County Mayo, Ireland known as Irrus or Erris.^[1] The title is not a peerage title but a feudal dignity, a kind of old land‑based title historically linked to local rule and land ownership.

Irrus comes from the Irish name Iorras Domhnann, meaning “western promontory” or “peninsula”.^[2] This refers to its position on the west coast of Ireland. Over time the Irish name was anglicised to Irrus and today is more commonly known as Erris.^[3]

The region of Irrus has ancient roots as a Gaelic territory before the English administrative system was extended into west Ireland. During the Tudor and Stuart period of English rule in Ireland, baronies like Irrus were used as administrative units.^[4] The English Crown recognised local leaders with feudal barony titles in these regions.

The title Baron of Irrus dates back to at least 1585,^[5] when it was recognised in connection with the area around Erris. Later, King James I of England formally granted the lands and dignity associated with the Barony around 1605.^[6]

Historically, individuals who held the title were responsible for local governance and land management under the Crown’s authority. Over the centuries, feudal systems like this declined and many baronies ceased to have legal or governmental power.^[7]

Today the title still exists as a feudal dignity separated from its land. It can be held and passed on like an inherited land title, but it does not grant legal nobility in either the United Kingdom or Ireland.^[8]

As of recent records,^[9] Louis Allan Barratt holds the title of Baron of Irrus.^[10][11] He has been associated with efforts to promote the heritage of the Barrett/ Barratt clan,^[12] historically linked to the region through Norman settlement in Ireland.^[13]

• Doolough
• County Mayo