From the Foreword: It is not an easy matter to attempt to write or to formulate the history of Kilfenora, for unfortunately very few records of its past history were ever recorded, but in the parish and diocese of Kilfenora have survived many remains of forts, cahers and burial tombs from prehistoric times, together with churches, crosses and castles from christian times. So in studying these remains with the aid of some few records, we may learn a little about the past in Kilfenora. Although the cathedral town of Kilfenora was the smallest in Ireland, we find some of its bishops had links with many European Sees and Monasteries and that one of its bishops became the first bishop of New York. Long before the reformation some of its bishops encountered the displeasure of the English kings, yet popes issued special bulls of consecration for some of its bishops. In the cathedral and grounds are buried at least seven of these bishops, and one king as well, the last King of Thomond, Conor O'Brien. Many forts and cahers are within the parish, including two important ones, Doon Hill fort and Ballykinvarga caher. It would seem that Kilfenora originated in the area of Cahenninane and Ballykinvarga, which advanced in importance and supported a large population.