The existence of a once Viking stronghold near Ardara is just one of many revelations contained in a delightful new book.
‘Pointe Luacharois, Loughros Point: Placenames and Tales of Nooks and Crannies’ was launched by Loughros Heritage Group last weekend.
The publication is the culmination of a multi-year project which began in 2015 when the group was founded.
More than 600 placenames across 16 townlands were recorded for the colourful 174-page book (below) which also charts the rich history of the peninsula.
Group member, Conor Whyte, told a packed Ardara Parish Centre they decided to research and compile the book because there were fears placenames and the stories behind them would be lost forever.
‘Pointe Luacharois, Loughros Point: Placenames and Tales of Nooks and Crannies’.
Donnchadh Ó Baoill of Údarás na Gaeltachta, and a member of the government’s Placenames Committee, launched the publication following a fascinating talk on the subject.
He confirmed that the local committee had unearthed nine placenames of Viking origin. Similar names only exist in the Outer Hebrides where Vikings came to Donegal here from.
Mr Ó Baoill also revealed there was, more than likely, there was a misinterpretation of the peninsula’s official Irish name, Pointe Luacharois. Translated into English, it means ‘rushy point’. However, placename experts believe it should be changed to the more accurate ‘bright point’.
The book is available to purchase, for just €20, from a number of outlets in Ardara including: Darnell’s Spar and Applegreen, C Diver Newsagents and Post Office, Young’s General Store and Maloney’s Texaco.
For further information, email: loughrosheritagegroup@gmail.com
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