Place-naming and Place-sharing in Northern Ireland

As part of the celebrations for Oireachtas na Samhna, The Linen Hall is delighted to welcome Professor Mícheál Ó Mainnín, Dr Frances Kane, and Dr Brian Devlin for a fascinating talk on the history and future of place-names in Northern Ireland. 

Drawing on their work with the Northern Ireland Place-Name Project, the speakers will explore how the names of our towns, villages, rivers, and landmarks reveal layers of cultural heritage, language, and identity. Place-names are not just labels on a map, they carry stories of settlement, conflict and belonging. 

 This event will highlight the significance of place-naming in shaping our shared history, as well as the role that place-sharing can play in building understanding across communities today. The speakers will also discuss the ongoing research and ambitions for the project, offering a glimpse into how future scholarship may continue to enrich our appreciation of the landscape around us. 

The talk will be delivered in English, with time for audience questions and discussion. 

Join us for an afternoon of insight into how the names we often take for granted can open doors to a deeper sense of place and shared heritage. 

This event is organised in partnership with the Department for Communities.