28/09/2026
The most often quoted definition of the townland is that they are 'the smallest administrative unit of land on the island of Ireland'. Though this definition is, for all intents and purposes, correct, it does not really tell us what a 'townland' is.
Every square inch of land on this island is part of a townland, the boundaries of which have been officially fixed since the Ordnance Survey Maps of Ireland were produced in the 1820s/30s under the direction of Colonel Thomas Colby.
However, the origins of townlands are much, much older than this. Most of the townlands we recognise today were founded before the Norman conquest and are perhaps relics of lands held by ancient Celtic families. There are over 61,000 townlands on the island. The largest is Fionnan in Co. Galway at 7,555 acres, whilst the smallest is Old Church Yard in Co. Tyrone at 0.625 acres. Largely, the size of a townland is related to the quality of agricultural land. Smaller townlands often contain more fertile fields, while larger townlands usually contain rougher ground.
Townland names are a vital tool for anyone researching their family ancestry. Until the introduction of the postcode around 50 years ago, the townland was a key component of postal addresses and was used in all official documents such as census returns and land valuations.
Most sources agree that the civil parish of Armoy contains 27 townlands, making up an area of about 9349 acres. 24 of these townlands lie in the barony of Cary, while the townlands of Moyaver Lower, Moyaver Upper and Knocknahinch are considered to be in the barony of Dunluce Upper, lying south of the River Bush. The image below is one of the earliest surviving maps to feature the townland names of the parish of Armoy. Published in 1780, the map was compiled by John Lendrick on behalf of the Grand Jury of Antrim to aid with public works and bridge building.
This week, I came across a poem written by Jim Dinnen, about the townlands of Aghadowey. Inspired by this, I have attempted to write a similar poem about the townlands of Armoy. I am no poet, but hopefully it will capture the emotional hold townlands have on local people and highlight the rich variety and beauty of their names.
Fair Armoy - W. McMullan 2026
I've wandered far through distant lands where wondrous sights I've seen,
But oft my thoughts come drifting back to Antrim's fields of green.
Where Knocklayd guards the countryside, and clear streams wander by,
And Armoy's pleasant townlands rest beneath the azure sky.
For Armoy parish is renowned wherever folk may roam,
With fertile farms and friendly hearts for those who call it home.
Its people keep the old ways well, its welcome warm and free,
And every road and townland holds a piece of history.
There's Aghrunniaght of harvest fields where golden corn once lay,
And Alcrossagh with ancient roads where travellers found their way.
Balleny and Ballykenver, both green beneath the hill,
And Breen where age old forests guard the realm of fairies still.
Bunshanacloney marks the foot of old monastic ground,
While Carrowlaverty's green acres stretch the parish round.
There's Cleggan with its rocky slopes and Cromaghs broad and wide,
And Doonans with remembered forts, once standing tall with pride.
There's Essan by the falling stream and Glebe of churchly fame,
And Gortmilish of pleasant fields that earned its gentle name.
Kilcroagh recalls the ancient cells where early Christians prayed,
While Knockans climbs up Knocklayd's slopes beneath the mountain shade.
Mill Five Acres tells of commerce, the grinding of the stone,
And Monanclogh's ancient pillar, endures there all alone.
The tall, dark hills of Mullaghduff spread far across the land,
Its Big and Little divisions beside each other stand.
There's Park and Stroan and Tullaghore where farming folk abide,
And the grey heights of Tureagh face toward the Glen with pride.
Turnarobert keeps its memories of families long passed through,
Yet every field and laneway still preserves a name or two.
Nor must we leave out Knocknahinch upon the parish roll,
Where rising ground and ancient farms have helped to shape the whole.
Moyaver Lower and Upper, still side by side they stand,
Though Dunluce claims their barony, they're Armoy's heart and land.
From ringfort bank to standing stone, from church to market fair,
The generations left their mark upon the landscape there.
And though the years may hurry on, and many things may change,
The names of Armoy's townlands still across the ages range.
If I have missed a story out, or left a name unsung,
The fault is mine not theirs for each deserves a poet's tongue.
For every townland, great or small, has filled our hearts with joy,
And so shall they forevermore, there in our fair Armoy.'
