Main pic: Loughros Point courtesy www.ardara.ie
More than 600 placenames across 16 townlands were recorded for a special book that will be launched in Ardara next week.
Pointe Luacharois, Loughros Point: Placenames and Tales of Nooks and Crannies will be unveiled by Loughros Heritage Group on Saturday, April 22nd, in the Parish Centre.
The publication is the culmination of a multi-year project which began in 2015 when the group was founded.
“When we initially came together, we were acutely aware of the rapid loss of placenames and their associated knowledge and knew it was paramount that we took action to record them for posterity,” a spokesperson said.
“Since then, the group has been actively working with the local community and diaspora and have recorded 600 placenames across 16 townlands.”
The 174 page, A4 publication contains a breakdown by townland of each of the placenames which derive from Irish, English and Scots. The origins of the placenames recorded are various, such as mythology and folklore, an event or particular use or may even relate to family or person. This rich oral repository shows that our ancestors had an innate connection and understanding of their surrounding landscape.
“We were extremely fortunate during the production of the publication for the invaluable assistance of Desmond Gallagher (Designated Media) and Donnchadh Ó Baoill, Rann na Feirste, a member of the Irish Placenames Committee,” the spokesperson added.
“Desmond worked tirelessly on the design and layout and has brought the publication to a high professional standard. Donnchadh provided expert advice on the translation, spelling and proofreading of placenames and we are honoured that he has agreed to launch the publication.”
The book will be launched on Saturday, April 22, at 3pm in the Parish Centre, Ardara (adjacent to the Church of the Holy Family) Eircode: F94 VX98 and will be available to purchase for €20. Following the event, the publication will be available in local outlets. In order to gauge the number of attendees, the group are asking those who are interested in attending the launch to please email: loughrosheritagegroup@gmail.com
The publication is part funded by Creative Ireland through the ‘Culture and Creativity Grant Scheme’, Donegal County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
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