Place Names in Ireland - Names of Streets and Roads

Names of Streets and Roads

Many streets and roads in Ireland derive their name from that of the townland, settlement or parish it goes through or heads towards, many of which are of Irish origin. Other streets and roads derive their names from local buildings, manufacturies or people etc.

In Irish, a street is sráid, a road is bóthar (meaning "cow path"), a lane is lána, and an avenue is ascaill. A linear village is called a sráidbhaile ("-street settlement")—this has been anglicised as Stradbally, which is the name of a number of villages on the island. Whilst Irish forms only have official status in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland district councils are allowed to erect bilingual roadsigns.

Origins of some streets and roads in Belfast, Northern Ireland

• Antrim Road, takes its name from the settlement it leads to, Antrim town.
• Ballymurphy Road, derives its name from the townland of Ballymurphy, which itself is derived from the Irish: Baile O Muircháin, meaning "homestead of O'Murphy".
• Crumlin Road takes its name from the settlement the road leads to, Crumlin.
• Donegall Square and Donegall Pass, both named after Lord Donegall, who opened six wide avenues also known as passes.
• Falls Road was originally called the Pound, however it derives its present name from an older Irish name Tuath-na-bhfal, meaning "district of the falls" or "hedges".
• Hercules Street, is named after Sir Hercules Langford.
• Mountpottinger and Pottinger's Lane both derive from the famous Pottinger family.
• Mustard Street is named after a mustard works.
• Old Forge and New Forge both derive their names from forges for smelting iron.
• Shankill Road derives its name from Irish: Seanchille meaning "old church", which is also the name of the local parish.

Origins of some streets and roads in Dublin, Republic of Ireland

• O'Connell Street, formerly known as Sackville Street, it was renamed after Daniel O'Connell. Its Irish name is Sráid Uí Chonaill.
• Grafton Street, developed by the Dawson family, it is named after the Earls of Grafton who owned land in the area. Its Irish name is Sráid Grafton.
• Pearse Street, originally called Moss Lane, then Great Brunswick Street, it was renamed after Padraig Pearse. Its Irish name is Sráid an Phiarsaigh
• St. James's Street takes its name from a Holy Well in the vicinity, dedicated to St James.