Visitors to this island often remark on the strong 'sense of place' that they encounter – that sense of connection to a particular locality that results from an intense familiarity with it. They are also struck – and are frequently mystified – by the number and great variety of place-names that they encounter. There is no doubt that our heritage of place-names is one of the most enriching legacies that have been passed down to us by earlier generations.

Ireland is divided into multiple categories of land divisions, some overlapping, but others sub-divisions of larger units of land. The origins of place-names derive from many sources – predominantly Gaelic Irish, but also English and Scottish, among others – and their meanings can tell us much about the character and history of a district. This section of our website provides information and resources on places across the historic province of Ulster.