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PLACE NAMES
In this section we will look at the various place names associated with our ancestors and our ancestral homeland. Place names give an idea of the culture and landscape of an area. Most of the names are descriptive of the area, most now bearing little or no resemblance to their original meaning. The first language of our people is and was Irish Gaelic. All of the place names shown here are of Gaelic origin. The English forms simply being, in most cases, a rough phonetic equivalent to the Gaelic original. Today, the ancient homeland of the McGinleys is still an area where the ancient Gaelic tongue can be heard.
ENGLISH
Altan
IRISH
Altán
PRONOUNCIATION
altaan
This name means ‘the high place’. It derives from the ancient Irish, or rather Celtic word alt/ailt meaning ‘high’. It is one of the most beautiful places in Donegal nestling under the stark Errigal mountain. A great view of Loch Altán and the general Tullaghobegly/Cloughaneely area can be got from the top of this mountain. The Donegal traditional music group Altan take their name from this place.
The Ards peninsula is one of the real beauty spots of north Donegal. It is today a National Forest Park, available to all to enjoy. The views at the end of the peninsula are stunning with a view over to Tramore on the adjacent peninsula of Rosguill. The name means 'the heights'. The Ards area includes ancient sites such as a standing stone to the south, two Megalithic Tombs to the north and four (well hidden) ancient fort sites within the National Park.
This place name is located towards the western part of Cloughaneely, almost in the Gweedore district. It means ‘the little heights’ (the highest point only being eighty five metres). This is a very lonely townland, close to the village of Gortahork but quite and undeveloped. Lough Lagha is nearby (just to the south) and the Owenawillin River can be found to the west.
This place name means ‘the big hills’ or 'the big heights' and is sometimes called in English Ardmore. Curious, as there are no obvious 'heights' here, but ofcourse many can be seen in the distance. The highest point here is thirty nine metres. There is an ancient holy well to be found here. Ardsmore is located close to the village of Gortahork (just the the south). To the north is Ballyness Bay.
Meaning ‘town of the church or temple’. Ballintemple lies just to the south of the village of Falcarragh. It lies in an undistinguished area of flattish ground. It is known to be one of the older settlements in the north Donegal area. The Ballintemple area has the ruins of an ancient church as well as the site of two ancient ráth's or forts.
Meaning ‘town of the cows’. There is some evidence to suggest that the origin should be Baile Átha na Bó meaning ‘the crossing place/ford of the cows’, but Baile na Bó is what is generally regarded as the standard. It is in a low lying area fairly close to the sea. Ballyboes can be found to the east of the village of Falcarragh.
Meaning ‘town of Connell’, but it is not clear who this Connell was or from what date he was, but the place name can be dated to before the early 1700's. The Ballyconnell area is a small village close to the larger Falcarragh which lies just to the south. The famous ‘Cloughaneely Stone’ can be found on display here. From Ballyconnell, to the west, we have a route down to the Ballyness Pier.
Meaning ‘the town of the cascade/waterfall’. Ballyness lies to the east side of the large Ballyness Bay. It is a small village close to the sea, also close to the villages of Ballyconnell and Falcarragh. There is a walk down to the sea-shore and a pier. Here is a large rock called Black Rock. Just to the north can be seen the tip of Finlays Bar, a large area of beautiful sandy beach popular with tourists in the summer months.
This stark yet beautiful area is dear to the hearts of local people for centuries. It was through this ‘gap’ or bearnán that many families travelled to the lonely ‘Bridge of Tears’. At this point they said good bye or slán to their family members more often than not, never seeing them again. The place name means ‘the gap of the wind’ or ‘windy gap’ and is very well named!
This place is often spelt Ballina (especially in the past). The name means ‘the mouth of the ford/crossing’. Bellina is today a suburb of the village of Falcarragh, lying at the western end. It hosts the areas Fire Station. It is also close to the Tullaghobegly River (to its western side) and the main road to Muckish (on its eastern side). The Bellina Bridge to the north leads down towards the sea at Killult.
Meaning ‘the fire of Bal’. This was the name of the Celtic pagan god of fire. This place was an ancient Celtic religious site going back thousands of years. The place name is sometimes given in English as Baltony. It would seem pretty certain that the god Bal was worshipped here in pre Christian times (and for a while into the Christian era). Today, Beltony is a fairly remote area, especially to the east, with most houses being at the western end of this townland along the main road to Gortahork further north.
Meaning ‘peak/mountain of the raven’. It is well named as the land does rise sharply here. Binanea can be found at the western side of the Ballyness Bay on the main road to Magheraroarty. It is a beautiful location which includes the Owenawillin River. There is also Binanea Strand here which feeds into Ballyness Bay. It is halfway between the villages of Gortahork (south) and Magheroarty (north).
The Gaelic form of this place name has been questioned by scholars in the past but it would seem quite clearly to mean ''peak/mountain of the birds'. Binaneyne is an isolated townland found high up close to Drumdoo Ridge, itself part of Mount Errigal. Part of the old dismantled railway that used to service the north of Donegal runs through this area. There are very few houses around here.
The meaning of Calhame is in some doubt but most Celtic scholars would agree that it means ‘stepping stomes at/by the hazel tree’. It should be noted that there are very few trees (of any sort) left in the area. Calhame is sometimes spelt in English Calhaem. It is a quite area, on a slope which rises to one hundred and twenty two metres. It is located between the villages of Gortahork (to the south west) and Falcarragh (to the north east).
Meaning ‘Cannons quarter (of land)’. It is recorded that a man called Cannon or Ó Ceannainn in Irish occupied this land in the year 1665. The area was afterwards named from him. It is therefore not one of our older place names. You will pass through Carrowcanon on the road from Falcarragh to Dunfanaghy. The noted Ray River runs through this townland on its way to the sea. Nearby can be found an ancient church and cross and also an ancient megalithic tomb.
Meaning ‘the quarter (of land) of the dogs’. It is not known in what context it should be read. Carrownamaddy lies in a picturesque area off the beaten track. It has excellent views of Lough Agher. There are a few mountain tracks in the locality for experienced walkers to try. There are very few houses in the vicinity. The views around this area are well worth the long walk.
Meaning ‘the stone fort’. There is no evidence of a stone fort here anymore although an ancient Bullaun Stone can be seen here. It is an area suitable for a stone fort or castle as the ground rises here giving a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. It lies just south of the village of Gortahork. Today the area is fairly well populated especially along the Cashelnagor to Gortahork road which runs along the eastern side of the Glenna River.
Meaning ‘fort of the herons’. Cashelnagor is nestled in a beautiful location between the mountains of Tievealehid (to the west), Errigal (to the south) and Aghla More (to the south east). The Glenna River runs through this valley. There are many small and beautiful lakes around here such as Lough Agannive, Lough Nastackan, Lough Doo and the exquisite and much bigger Lough Altan.
This place name is said to mean ‘meadow of the game’, the game in question is supposed to be hurling, the ancient national game of Ireland. Clonbara is a quite and isolated area on slightly elavated ground. It is close to a dismantled railway which once serviced the north Donegal area but was long abandoned. Clonbara is close to the main road into Falcarragh which lies a little to the north.
This is a name of a parish in the north of Donegal from where the McGinleys were numerous. The name in Irish Gaelic is Cluain Da Chorcaigh and is said to mean 'the meadow of St Corcach', but some Gaelic scholars have questioned this meaning. It is not known who this saint was either. It is possible that the ending represent the same element as found in Gortahork.
This is a name of a parish in north Donegal which lies beside the parish of Clondahorky. Here too, the McGinleys were numerous in the past and still today. The name is said to mean 'the meadow of St Vaddog', but this has been argued by some Celtic scholars. An alternative meaning of 'the meadow of the dogs' has been suggested but most do not accept this.
This is the name for the greater district which includes most of the places described in this list. The Tullaghobegly area is contained within it. Cloughaneely means ‘the stone of Cionnaola’. This is named after an ancient warrior of the district who was killed on the famed Cloughaneely Stone. His name in older Gaelic was Ceann Fhaolaidh which means ‘wolf head’. The stone has a red seam running through it. According to local legend, this is the blood of that ancient chieftain. The famed stone can be seen at Falcarragh.
Craigtown/
Rocktown
This place is recorded in English both as Craigtown and Rocktown. The meaning is ‘town of the rocks’. Alternatively it could mean ‘the town of Fr Craig’ (a noted Priest of the area who was killed by the English a few centuries ago). Craigtown/Rocktown is within easy reach of the main villages of Falcarragh and Gortahork. The Tullaghobegly River runs passed the area too.
The village of Creeslough lies to the east of the McGinley territory, almost certainly just outside of our area. Nevertheless there are many McGinleys around this beautiful area today. Close by we have the amazing Ards Forest Park and Ards Beach, long popular with tourists. It was once said that the sand at Ards was among the purest in the world. Its source lies high up Muckish mountain which is visable from the beach. Craoslach is said to mean 'glutonous lake'.
This is a high upland area close to the hamlet of Derryreel. The name means ‘the hard one (mountain) with oak trees’. In this area are a series of small hills and a beautiful lake with the site of an ancient crannog on it. Despite its ancient name, you would find it fairly difficult to find an oak tree here today. The widespread forests around the area were cut down hundreds of years ago by the English and Scottish settlers.
This place name means ‘the small hill of stones’. It is to be found in an isolated part of the beautiful Horn Head peninsula. There is an ancient Megalithic tomb to be found here. Brilliant views can be had looking out to the north Atlantic from the high sea cliff that are found here. The land is generally wet and boggy and care should be taken walking around this area.
This is a very wild and beautiful landscape situated to the far northern part of Horn Head. The name means 'the small hill of the male goat'. The hill or rather small height, gives great views all around. A short path can take you to its summit. Out to sea can be seen the various islands including the impressive Tory. Underfoot the conditions are mostly wet and boggy.
This location means 'the small hill of the dogs'. In what context we do not know, but possibly relating to wild dogs roaming the area in centuries past. Crocknamaddy is one of the most stunning parts of the county. The scenic views around here can rival any in Donegal. Nearby is the old Promontory Fort and excellent views out to sea, including the various islands.
This is a beautiful spot just to the south of Meenlaragh and Magheraroarty. It is associated with an early legend relating to St Colm Cille and three other local saints. The four saints, Colm Cille, Beigbhile (after whom Tullaghobegly is named), Fionnán and Dubhthach (after whom Inishdooey is named) are said to have brought Christianity to the area. Because of this, the hill here was afterwards always called Cnoc na Naomh ‘the hill of the saints’.
The place name element doire is very common in Irish place names and indicated a place abounding in oak trees. Ireland was, until a few hundred years ago, covered in forests. The oak was/is the national tree of Ireland. The meaning of this place name is ‘the oak wood of Connor’. Nothing is known about this man called Connor. Today, there are no oak woods in this area, infact very few trees at all. The Owenawillin River runs through this townland towards the sea.
This place name means ‘the oak wood of the O’Friel clan’, an old native family to the area. There are no oaks to be found in this area today, the result of widespread de-forestation by the English in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The O’Friel clan were one of the notable clans of north Donegal. They were direct descendants (through a brother) of the celebrated St Colm Cille.
The Dooey Peninsula is noted for its excellent beaches. Access to the Dooey Peninsula is from Magheraroarty. There are great views out to the nearby islands of Inishbeg, Inishdooey and Inishbofin with the spectacular Tory further out. The place name Dooey means ‘the sand dunes’. It is a quiet location popular with tourists and locals in the summer months.
Meaning ‘the dark or black ridge’. This is a beautiful ridge forming part of the lower heights of Errigal on its north side. There is an excellent mountain walk through ancient boglands to this area. You will pass by the small Lough Agannive on your right and on past the beautiful Lough Altan on your left. The Tullaghobegly area can be seen to the north east from here.
This ancient place name means ‘ridge of the fire’, recalling ancient Celtic practises of lighting fires on hilltops. This ancient pagan site is located close to Finlays Bar, the long stretch of beach. There are a few walks around the area giving fine views out to sea. The islands of Inishbeg, Inishdooey, Inishbofin and Tory are visable from here.
This along with Gortahork and Falcarragh make up the three biggest and most important villages in the Tullaghobegly/Cloughaneely area. The place is said to mean ‘the fort of fair/bright field’. Some authorities give ‘the fort of Fionnchadh' (a presumed personal name) but no such person is on record in the area. It is the most heavily populated part of north Donegal (past the Muckish and Errigal mountain range). It is a popular holiday destination with a golf course and an Excellent beach.
Meaning ‘the big fort’. Dunmore lies on elevated ground close to the mountain range that includes Aghla More, Aghla Beg, Muckish with great views out towards the sea. It is close to the road that runs through Muckish Gap. Apart from the distinguished views afforded the tourist here, there is little else of note about Dunmore as it is remote and bare.
Meaning ‘the eastern sand-dunes’. The name is well suited given the location of this place right at the edge of the north Atlantic. The River Ray runs through the Errarooey area out to sea. The long and beautiful sandy beach known as Finlays Bar is located here. Errarooey is not a heavily populated area. An ancient megalithic tomb can be found in the area.
The meaning of this mountain is ‘the high bright one’ deriving from the Irish words air meaning ‘high’ and geal meaning ‘bright’. From the top of this beautiful mountain you can see brilliant views across most of north Donegal and the Tullaghobegly/Cloughaneely area in particular. The ancient homeland of the McGinley clan lies beneath, somewhere from here to the sea. In parts it is a steep climb full of loose rubble rock.
Meaning ‘the rough edge/boundary’ from fál meaning a 'hedge' coupled with carrach meaning 'rough,rocky,stony'. This is one of the main villages in the north west of Co Donegal. It is believed that the original ‘hedge line’ was between the Hall and Falcarragh Hill. For a short while Falcarragh was called Robertstown (Irish, Baile Robastúin) and even Crossroads (Irish, Na Croisbhealaí). Today, Falcarragh is a popular tourist location in the summer months.
This place means ‘the yellow slope’. The yellow element is unclear but may recall times when cereal crops such as wheat was grown here. Fawnaboy lies inland close to the Cashelnagor townland. There are great views around this area especially around the Glenna River, while to the south we have the beautiful Mount Errigal. to the west can be seen the impressive Gweedore peaks of Carntreena, Cronalaght and Tievealehid.
The meaning of this place name has been in despute among Celtic scholars but it almost certainly derives from glas, the older meaning was ‘a river’ (the Yellow River runs through this townland). The second word denotes a ‘warrior’. Therefore we have ‘the warrior of the river’, or ‘the warriors river’. Glasserchoo lies close to Meenlaragh and Magheraroarty on the north Donegal coast set in beautiful surroundings.
Along with Falcarragh and Dunfanaghy, Gortahork is one of the three main villages in the Tullaghobegly/Cloughaneely area. The place means ‘field of the oats’ indicating an old tradition of farming in the area. Gortahork is a Gaeltacht village where the Irish language can be heard. Gortahork lies at the neck of the Ballyness Bay and has long been a popular tourist destination.
This is the most northerly piece of mainland in the Tullaghobegly/Cloughaneely area. It has reputedly the third highest sea cliffs in Europe (after the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare, and Sliabh League also in Co Donegal). It has stunning views across the north Atlantic including Tory island and the islands of Inishbofin, Inishdooey and Inishbeg. The name means ‘the hook/horn shaped peak’. It is a wild but beautiful area.
This is one of the three small islands just off the coast of north Donegal (on the way to Tory Island). The name means ‘the little island’ not surprisingly. It is just to the north of Inishdooey and Inishbofin. Inishbeg was once populated but is no longer so. The highest point on this small island is twenty two metres. Keelasbeg Sound seperates it from Inishdooey Island.
This is another of the small islands just off the north Donegal coast. It sits to the south of the islands of Inishbeg and Inishdooey. The name means ‘island of the white cow’. It is heavily populated at the south eastern end of the island around an area known as Cloghan (in Irish An Clochán) of which many are holiday homes. This is where the boats land on the island. The highest spot on the island is only thirty three metres.
The Gael form is sometimes spelt Inis Dúiche, but both forms have the meaning ‘the island of St Dubhthach’, a noted early saint in the north Donegal area. There is the site of an ancient church on the island. The island of Inishdooey lies between the smaller Inishbeg (to the north) and the larger Inishbofin (just to the south). The highest spot on the island is found at the eastern side and measures thirty eight metres.
Meaning ‘the narrow ridge’. Keeldrum is situated along the valley of the Glenna River and runs north-south dividing the Gweedore and Cloughaneely districts. It is fairly close to the village of Gortahork which lies just to the north. The Aspick River runs along here leading northwards towards the sea. In the late 1700's and 1800's, silver lead mining took place here and some ruins of this industry can still be seen here including an old chimney stack.
Despite the seemingly obvious meaning in English, this rural place name is from Irish cill which means 'church', related to the Latin cell. Kill is a very small place located just to the south of Dunfanaghy. The area has some decent farmland and also an old church site can be seen here. There are two very small lakes here, Kill Lough North and Kill Lough. Also nearby is Casey Lough which has the site of an ancient Irish fort here.
This place name means ‘the church of Ulta’. It is not known who this person Ulta was, but the name stems from the very early days of the Irish/Celtic Christian church in Ireland. It probably refers to an early monk in the area. Killult lies approximately half way between the villages of Gortahork and Falcarragh. There is the site of an early Plantation Bawn here. In recent years the population has grown due to its location halfway between the villages of Gortahork and Falcarragh.
This small village is to be found to the east of Portnablagh and near to the popular Marble Hill Strand. The place name means ‘the black or dark hill’. Views of Horn Head can be seen to the west and the Rosguill Peninsula to the north east. It has been an area popular with tourists for the past hundred years. There is an old Promontory Fort nearby.
Said to mean ‘plain of the O’Roarty clan’. The O’Roartys lived in this area and on Tory where they were the erenagh family. The name, according to some Celtic scholars means ‘plain of the spring tide’, with rabharta meaning spring tide. This has, historically been one of the townlands most associated with the McGinleys. The Griffiths Valuations Survey showed many of the name McGinley located here. Magheraroarty has a pier from which Ferries travel out to Tory Island.
This is an isolated townland found to the south west of the Horn Head peninsula. It derives from the Irish word marbh meaning ‘dead’. It is not known in what context the word is used, but possibly really meaning 'isolated, desolated'. Beside Marfagh is the beautiful Curragh Strand part of the greater Tramore Strand. It is a very isolated townland and not easy to access as there are no paths or tracks there.
This is a small townland located close to the village of Creeslough in the north of the county. It is just to the north of Creeslough and has lovely views out to the sea inlet around Ards Forest Park peninsula. The name is said to mean 'the buttock of/at the waterfall', describing the shape of the land here.
Meaning ‘the smooth plain at the beach/sea-shore’. Meenaclady is a small village close to the sea located a couple of miles to the west of Magheraroarty. It lies on low ground close to the Yellow River, the Glenn River and Glasserchoo. Lough More is found just to the south. To the west lies the Bloody Foreland mountain while to the east lies Crockaneeve Mountain. Great views out onto the Atlantic can be got here.
This place name means ‘the back/corner of the smooth plain of the barren place’. The meaning of this place name is in some doubt. Some say the last element should be deascán meaning ‘sediment, deposite’ but this would not agree with the ‘sh’ sound in the English form. It can be found at the southern side of the Muckish Gap.
Meaning ‘the central smooth plain’. Meenlaragh is to be found in a delightful setting close to the north Atlantic. It is a small village that has extensive views out to sea with the islands of Inishbeg, Inishdooey, Inishbofin close to hand. In the distance can be seen the spectacular Tory Island. To the east we have the Dooey peninsula and to the west we have Bloody Foreland.
This is a beautiful but not very high mountain that is located close to the impressive Errigal. It is just off the noted Muckish gap route found just to the right hand side before you reach Barnanageeha There is a nice small lake near to its summit with mountain paths going up to it. The name derives from Gaelic maol meaning ‘bald’ coupled with cnoc meaning ‘hill’, therefore we have ‘the bare hill’.
This beautiful mountain means ‘the pig’ because its ridge and shape is said to resemble a pig lying down. The word muc means ‘pig’ and the terminal ais, denoting a place or area, and is very ancient Pictish/Celtic in origin. Muckish mountain has for thousands of years been regarded as a holy mountain by the tribes that lived under its shadow including the McGinley clan. It, along with Errigal is a landmark that can be seen throughot all of the north Donegal area. Muckish rises to a height of 666 metres.
This townland can be found on the beautiful Horn Head peninsula. It is said to mean ‘Land of the O’Mallon family’, but there are no records of such a surname in the area. It could also mean ‘Sweet/good Land’ from Irish mil meaning ‘sweet, honey’. The McGinleys have been noted here since the early 1600’s and probably much earlier. Today, Muntermellan is a windswept and quite townland looking down upon the popular village of Dunfanaghy.
Meaning ‘the old town’. The area of Oldtown consists of a small hamlet lying close to the Tullaghobegly River. The nearest village to Oldtown is Gortahork which lies just to the west, but Falcarragh is almost as close in a more northerly direction. People have lived in the Oldtown area for a long period.
This is a small village located just to the east of Dunfanaghy. It is nowadays a known holiday resort with excellent beaches and golf courses nearby. The name means ‘the port of the buttermilk’ indicating the trade there centuries ago. It has grown in size in recent years and is now a suburb of the bigger Dunfanaghy.
Meaning ‘the badgers place/den’, derived from the old Gaelic word broc meaning ‘a badger’. The ending ais denoting ‘place’ is a very ancient Pictish/Celtic root. Procklis is a very isolated townland located high up on the north side of Errigal. It has great views of the surrouding countryside including Lough Altan, Errigal and out to the north Atlantic.
Meaning ‘fort’ from the old Irish word ráth, a common element in many Irish place names. We also have the Ray River nearby, an excellent fishing river running down into the north Atlantic. Ray is an area with a long history of human habitation. Today Ray is a quiet remote area with much wild and attractive scenery around. Ray is said by some to be one of the oldest inhabited sites in the north Donegal area.
This is a name of a parish in the north of the county that has been much associated with the McGinleys both in the past and still today. The name means 'the fort of Downeys people'. It if not known who this Downey or Domhnach was. There was an Irish word domhnach meaning 'sunday' or even domhan meaning 'the world, earth'. Either of these could be the true meaning, but most scholars do not accept these alternatives.
This is a small townland that can be found just to the south of the present village of Dunfanaghy. Its highest point is only 222 metres. It is a rural area close to Lough an Phoirt/Port Lough and Lough Natooey North. From the higher points can be gained lovely views of the north Atlantic. According to some family traditions, this is the site of the main McGinley family house/fortification up until the early 1800's.
This place name means ‘the rough stream’. It is situated close to the village of Gortahork to the south heading inland towards the mountains. It is close to the Tullaghobegly river which comes down from Lough Altan, high up to the south at the foot of Errigal mountain. It describes a stream that is a tributary of the Tullaghobegly River. Despite being close to Gortahork, Sruhanreagh is a quiet isolated spot with nice walks around.
The beautiful but windswept island of Tory is located a few miles off the Donegal coast. It is still Gaelic speaking and has spectacular views all around. The name means ‘the rocky place’ from torr an old word indicating high steep cliffs or rocks. Tory is a major tourist attraction in the summer months and even has its own king!. At one time it had its own monastery, the descendants of St Colmcille, but no trace of it survives. Tory is a very popular destination with holiday makers.
This is a beautiful area of long sandy beaches on the north Donegal coast just north of the area known as Ballyboes which is between the villages of Falcarragh and Dunfanaghy. The name means ‘the long/big beach’ and is well named. It has long been popular with tourists in the summer. Great views are to be had in this area.
The meaning of this place name has been argued by scholars but it most likely means 'the place of the great fasting'. Truskmore is a remote townland found high up on the northern slopes of Mount errigal. Beautiful views can be seen from here. The lakes of Lough Trusk, Lough Nacreevagh, Lough Nacuskera and Lough Nacrick are all within walking distance. The old dismantled railway is still visable in places here.
This area in the north of Donegal has been closely associated with the McGinley surname. It is a district close to the mountains which includes two townlands, Tullaghobegly Scotch and Tullaghobegly Irish. The intention was to settle Scots here in the early 1600's by dividing the area up, one half for the natives and one for possible settlers (but it did not happen). The Irish half was ofcourse to be the roughest more mountainous part.
