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. Glencaw Park (Páirc Ghleann Cabha). A townland in Moville Upper Parish, Co. Donegal. The townland is in two separate parts, north and south of Glencaw Hill.
Glencaw Park (Páirc Ghleann Cabha). A townland in Moville Upper Parish, Co. Donegal. The townland is in two separate parts, north and south of Glencaw Hill.
6. Gort na Sí Close (Clós Ghort na Sí). 'Field of the fairies'. Located in the townland of Shantallow.
Gort na Sí Close (Clós Ghort na Sí). 'Field of the fairies'. Located in the townland of Shantallow.
7. Griffith Park (Páirc Uí Ghríofa). Named after Richard John Griffith (1784-1878). Dublin civil engineer and geologist. Commissioner of Valuation, Ireland 1828-68. Chairman of Irish Board of Works 1850-64. (Bryson).
Griffith Park (Páirc Uí Ghríofa). Named after Richard John Griffith (1784-1878). Dublin civil engineer and geologist. Commissioner of Valuation, Ireland 1828-68. Chairman of Irish Board of Works 1850-64. (Bryson).
8. Grainan Park (Cúirt an Ghrianáin). The anglicised form 'Grainan' appears to be an error for 'Grianán'. Grianán of Aileach is a fine stone fort on a hill above Burt, just over the county boundary in Donegal. Aileach was an important regional centre in early Ireland. Note that Grianán of Aileach is not Aileach itself which is located in the vicinity of the townlands Elagh More and Elagh Beg, a few miles to the north.
Grainan Park (Cúirt an Ghrianáin). The anglicised form 'Grainan' appears to be an error for 'Grianán'. Grianán of Aileach is a fine stone fort on a hill above Burt, just over the county boundary in Donegal. Aileach was an important regional centre in early Ireland. Note that Grianán of Aileach is not Aileach itself which is located in the vicinity of the townlands Elagh More and Elagh Beg, a few miles to the north.