An Interactive Cultural Heritage Project
The inspiration for this project was the wonderful placenames map of Teelin produced by Dan McGinley in 1998. The initial objective was to convert this printed map into a digital equivalent, with the various placename points, names and translations transferred onto a digital mapping platform (ESRI ArcGIS). This initial project was extended to include much of the Parish of Glencolmcille, and subsequently part of the Parish of Kilcar and then Loughros area in the parish of Ardara.
Digital mapping allows points of the map to be linked to metadata which can include photos, video/audio clips, documents, websites, repositories, location coordinates, and other sources of relevant information. Unlike paper-based maps, it also means the database can be edited to include more locations and additional information, and to correct mistakes, which means the map development can continue indefinitely.
From the beginning, the project objective was to create a digital map as a resource for the local community generally, for education and schools' projects for local children, for community groups, and for enhancing local tourism. The map reflects the rich heritage of this area, which is unique and precious.
Seamus McGinley, Rónán Ó Dochartaigh, Dermot Diamond
Adding content: Niamh Doherty, Patrick Carr, Seamus McGinley, Rónán Ó Dochartaigh, Rónán Galvin and Conor Whyte
Mary Cunningham (O'Byrne), Sean Con Johnny (Ó Beirne), Denis Moloney, Donnchadh C. Ó Laighin, Anna Marie Ní Ghallchobhair, Gene Curran, Seosamh Ó Gallchobhair (Joe Golly), Mickey Cunningham, James Hegarty, Peter Anthony McGinley, Enda McGinley, Séamus Doherty, Gerard McGill, Martina Byrne, Annette McBrearty, Eibhlín Mac Breartaigh, Condy Campbell and Annie Quinn (Glen of Glenties), Aodh Ó Domhnaill, Paddy O'Donnell, Rory O'Donnell, Joseph Brennan, Rita Cunningham, Mícheál Sweeney, John Teague McGinley, Jim McLauglin, George Doherty, Francie O'Donnell, Celine Maloney, Eileen Maloney, Kieran Breslin, Proinsias Ward, Philip Doherty, Paddy Maloney, Aindreas Mac Giolla Easbuig, Clann Mhic Giolla Easbuig, John Frinc Mac Fhionnghaile, Seán Byrne, Jimmy Carr, Seán McShane, Máire Ó Gara, Margaret Rose Cunningham, Paul Carr, Diarmaid O'Gadhra and Patrick C. O'Gara.
Dan McGinley: Dan published a very detailed map of Gaelic placenames covering Teelin (map V 8.0.1 1998) along with a placename list with translations into English. He also produced a draft map of Glencolmcille with placenames that was unfinished.
Seosamh Watson: Seosamh published a book of local placenames entitled Gleann Colmcille – An Áit Agus a Naomh, Oideas Gael, 2019, covering Glencolmcille, Teelin, Carrick, Malinbeg, Malinmore, Port and Glenlough.
Donnchadh C. Ó Laighin, Anna Marie Ní Ghallchobhair: Denis Lyons and his wife, Anne Marie provided a wealth of information about placenames in the parish of Kilcar. This became a collaborative effort with transition year students at Colaiste na Carraige facilitated by their teacher, Máire Uí Dhomhnaill.
Conor Whyte: For adding placenames from Loughros Point to the map. This is related to work undertaken by the Loughros Point Heritage Group which led to the publication of their collection 'Pointe Luacharois, Loughros Point: Placenames and Tales of Nooks and Crannies' in 2023.
Drone Footage: Vic Richards (local drone expert), Wayne Floyd (Chief Drone Instructor at Survey Instrument Services Ltd/Survey Drones Ireland) and Dr. Margaret McCaul (Dublin City University).
Project Management: Professor Susan Hegarty and Dr. Jonathan Cherry, School of History and Geography at Dublin City University.
Photography: The National Library of Ireland and National Museums NI for permission to use photographs from the Lawrence, and the Welch and Green collections.
Support is gratefully acknowledged from An Chomhairle Oidreachta, Béal an Phobail, Comhairle Contae Dhún nan Gall, Comhairle Chathair Dhoire & Cheantar an Straha Báin, Clár Éire Ildánach, An Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaelteachta, Spóirt agus Meán (Colmcille 1500).
A special thanks to Oideas Gael and Dublin City University for providing access to resources and facilities in support of the project. Special recognition also for our good friend Seamus McGinley who contributed so much to the project, and who passed away too young on 3rd March 2022.