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. Kells Walk (Siúlán an Cheanannais Mhóir). There are several places named Kells, including one in Co. Antrim and one in Co. Kerry. However, the most celebrated place of this name is the market town of Kells in Co. Meath, an Ceannanas Mór, from which the Book of Kells, also known as the Book of Columba, is named.
Kells Walk (Siúlán an Cheanannais Mhóir). There are several places named Kells, including one in Co. Antrim and one in Co. Kerry. However, the most celebrated place of this name is the market town of Kells in Co. Meath, an Ceannanas Mór, from which the Book of Kells, also known as the Book of Columba, is named. Photo: Supplied