Prior to 2018, there had never been a noble title connected to Kilkeel (from , meaning church of the narrow), which lies within the historic barony of Mourne. In the Middle Ages, it was said to be the centre of power of the Mugdorna (Múrna, Mughdorna, Mourne), an Irish tribe. It is located near the Mourne Mountains and is used as the base for a large fishing fleet.