It is difficult to account for the origin of certain ‘Districts’ which are so often found within parochial boundaries, and which seem from time immemorial to have possessed limits as well defined as those of the parishes themselves in which they are situated.

Glen is one of these old districts, and as such has largely maintained its identity, though not its actual boundaries, during all the years. In regard to its origin in this respect we can only guess, but those who are competent to form an opinion consider that in all probability we are correct in our conjecture. Clanagan (Gleannagan), signifying ‘The Little Glen,’ was the ancient name of the district, and probably embraced both modern Glen (containing nine townlands) and Fourtowns, which were originally combined in the two ‘towns’ of Ballytullaghmore and BallyMcEnratty-the present designation, in all likelihood, having been applied after the subdivision into ‘Four towns.’ There can be no doubt, however, but that Ballytullaghmore (Tullymore and Killysavin) was included in Clanagan, for the King’s order, dated August 2, 1617 (Patent Rolls, James I.), giving a survey of the Magenis lands in Iveagh, states that Sir Arthur Magennis (the first Viscount) was seised of ‘Ballytullaghmore in Clanagan.’ The ‘Four towns’ seem to have been always closely associated, and there must be some valid reason for this ancient tie that still binds them together. In our opinion they each are children of a common parentage, cut off in bygone times from the parent stem, but though ruthlessly torn away they still cling to each other-under a new name, and having lost their old identity-as portion of a larger family. We consider that ancient Clanagan comprised (at least) the thirteen townlands which are, at present, contained in Glen and Fourtowns, and embraced the whole of the glen extending from Poyntzpass to the ‘Mount’ in Drumiller-South of Jerrettspass.

We believe that Clanagan was one of the old divisions of land-viz. A ‘ballybetagh’-which existed previous to our present distribution. Bishop Reeves (‘Townland Distribution’), writing on the present distribution of land, informs us that we have ‘no modern equivalent to the ballybetagh, except in some few instances where groups of twelve townlands under a generic name constitute distinct properties.’ True, a ballybetagh varied considerably in size, as, for example, in the counties of Monaghan and Tyrone, where three or four townlands often constituted a ballybetagh; but, generally speaking, this division of land contained twelve ‘towns.’

A ballybetagh was a ‘true political sub-division of the Tuath-corresponding to the Latin Pagus. It had some kind of Judicial Court and popular assembly, and was probably bound to furnish its fixed proportion of armed men and provisions to the battalion of the Tuath.’

The Betagh was a kind of ‘Public Victualler,’ being bound to dispense hospitality to travelers and to the soldiers of the Chief, if thy came in his direction, and for that purpose he held his ballybetagh free of rent. A Public Victualler, who was compelled to dispense hospitality, was certainly a good and benighn institution, and one we should think absolutely necessary, considering the circumstances of the time.

We have no idea as regards the whereabouts of this good man’s residence in Clanagan, but, if asked our opinion, we would say, most likely on the ‘Mount’ in Drumiller. We are quite certain, however, that if this public dispenser of unbounded hospitality resided there now-a-days, we would frequently honour ourselves by calling on him, and we could assure him of hosts of visitors besides, namely, the shoals of ‘tramp gentry,’ who ever pass and repass by the great highway convenient to his hospitable mansion.

Clanagan was undoubtedly the scene of numerous warlike exploits, lying, as it did, contiguous to the two Passes from Armagh to Down and the Castles thereat. Indeed, the very name of the townland of Lurganare (within Clanagan), signifying ‘the field of slaughter,’ is ominous of battle!

From J. Davison Cowan book titled "Donaghmore, An Ancient Irish Parish, Past & Present" published in 1914.

Note: "The Glen" and Fourtowns are located between Jerretspass and Poyntzpass and in the Parish of Donaghmore on the East side of the Newry Canal and the Armagh/Down boundary.   This is in the North Western section of the Donaghmore Parish.