Since 1987 the Queen's University at Belfast has been developing the ‘Northern Ireland Place-Name Project’ and compiling an incredible database of names that sometimes date back over a thousand years.
In compiling the Derry city section the compendium draws heavily on John Bryson's seminal 'Derry's Streets'. Other sources, including George Vaughan Sampson's map of Co. Derry of 1814, are also cited.
Some of the meanings suggested in the database are open to interpretation and debate but make for fascinating reading.
Based in Queen’s University, the project works in collaboration with Land and Property Services in the Department of Finance in providing a free online database of our local place-names (www.placenamesni.org. This is accompanied by an interactive searchable map of historical names (townlands, parishes, baronies and counties) which is provided by LPS.
5. Asylum Road (Bóthar an Ospidéil Meabhairghalair). Asylum and mental hospital (1829). (Bryson).
Asylum Road (Bóthar an Ospidéil Meabhairghalair). Asylum and mental hospital (1829). (Bryson).
6. Ardan Road (Bóthar an Ardáin). There is a settlement named Tullyardan at the west end of the road. 'Ardán' means 'small height'. 'Tully' may come from 'tullach' meaning 'little hill'.
Ardan Road (Bóthar an Ardáin). There is a settlement named Tullyardan at the west end of the road. 'Ardán' means 'small height'. 'Tully' may come from 'tullach' meaning 'little hill'.
7. Amelia Court (Cúirt Amelia). Named after Amelia Earhart (1898-1937) the pioneer aviator who landed in a nearby field after completing her historic transatlantic solo flight.
Amelia Court (Cúirt Amelia). Named after Amelia Earhart (1898-1937) the pioneer aviator who landed in a nearby field after completing her historic transatlantic solo flight.