New book on West Mayo placenames
The National Famine Memorial in Murrisk. The West Mayo village in the foothills of Croagh Patrick features in John O'Callagh's new book. Picture: DeAgostini/Getty Images
John O'Callaghan launched his new book 'West Mayo Placenames - Origin and Meaning' in Westport Town Hall on Wednesday last.
This well researched book examines the origin and meaning of the townlands and placenames in the three baronies of Murrisk, Burrishoole and Erris.
West Mayo contains a rich social history and topography. Through a deep mapping of a selection of townlands in each barony, John leads us on a journey of discovery into a richer sense of place. The history hidden within the names (logainmneacha) is revealed in the unfolding of their meanings through every generation.
John O’Callaghan’s love of his home place (áit dhúchais) is captured on every page. He evokes a true sense of each place detailed in the book.
In conjunction with his research into the meanings of the logainmneacha, he describes what makes each place so special and unique. His book is filled with wonderful photographs of each of the places visited.
