Ireland
Éire
The vast majority of placenames in Ireland are anglicisations, or phonetic renderings, of Irish language names. However, some names come directly from the English language. When the Irish Free State gained independence from the United Kingdom, some placenames were reverted to their Irish or anglicised forms. This includes:
- Bagenalstown, which became Muine Bheag
- Charleville, which became Ráth Luirc
- Kingstown, which became Dún Laoghaire
- King's County, which became County Offaly
- Philipstown, which became Daingean
- Queenstown, which became Cobh
- Queen's County, which became County Laois
- Maryborough, which became Port Laoise
Read more about this topic: English Exonyms
Famous quotes containing the word ireland:
“There is no topic ... more soporific and generally boring than the topic of Ireland as Ireland, as a nation.”
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)
“Sport and death are the two great socializing factors in Ireland ...”
—Elizabeth Bowen (1899–1973)
“It is often said that in Ireland there is an excess of genius unsustained by talent; but there is talent in the tongues.”
—V.S. (Victor Sawdon)