geography
McManus Family Origins and Migration (1780–1880)
Overview of the McManus family roots across Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan, Fermanagh, and Longford — their parishes, migrations, and research paths.
Published 9 November 2025
The McManus surname traces back through a tight regional cluster surrounding Lough Allen in north-central Ireland.
Between 1780 and 1880, the family branches occupied Drumshanbo (Leitrim), Arigna and Ballyfarnon (Roscommon), with kin links extending northeast into Swanlinbar (Cavan) and Kinawley (Fermanagh), and southward toward Longford.
This blog series outlines each focus area:
- Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
- Arigna & Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon
- Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan
- Kinawley, Co. Fermanagh
- Longford, Co. Longford
- Research Methods & Sources
Each post includes:
- Civil and Roman Catholic parish details
- Primary online resources (NLI, Griffith’s, etc.)
- Historical context for 19th-century migration and occupations