Baron Kilmaine

Baron Kilmaine is a title that has been created twice, both times in the Peerage of Ireland. The first creation came in 1722 in favour of the soldier the Hon. James O'Hara. Two years later he succeeded his father as Baron Tyrawley. However, both titles became extinct on the second Baron Tyrawley's death in 1773. The second creation came in 1789 when Sir John Browne, 7th Baronet, of The Neale, was created Baron Kilmaine, of The Neale in the County of Mayo. He had previously represented Newtownards and Carlow Borough in the Irish House of Commons. His grandson, the third Baron, sat in the House of Lords as an Irish Representative Peer from 1849 to 1873. He was succeeded by his eldest son, the fourth Baron. He was an Irish Representative Peer from 1890 to 1907. His son, the fifth Baron, sat as an Irish Representative Peer from 1911 to 1946. As of 2010 the titles are held by the latter's grandson, the seventh Baron, who succeeded his father in 1978.

The Browne Baronetcy, of The Neale in the County of Mayo, was created in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia in 1636 for John Browne. However, he never assumed the title. The baronetcy was actually only assumed for the first time by his great-great-grandson, the sixth Baronet. The latter was succeeded by his younger brother, the seventh Baronet, who was created Baron Kilmaine in 1789.

Two other members of the Browne family have been elevated to the peerage. John Browne, 1st Earl of Altamont (the grandfather of John Browne, 1st Marquess of Sligo), was the grandson of Colonel John Browne, younger son of Sir John Browne, 1st Baronet. Consequently, the present Marquess of Sligo is also in remainder to the Browne Baronetcy, of The Neale. Furthermore, Augusta Browne, youngest daughter of the Very Reverend the Hon. Henry Montague Browne, second son of the second Baron Kilmaine, was created Baroness Bolsover in 1893.

As of 30 June 2006, the present holder of the barony has not successfully proven his succession to the baronetcy and is therefore not on the Official Roll of the Baronetage, with the baronetcy considered dormant. However, the case is under review by the Registrar of the Baronetage (for more information follow this link).