/ Irish Language Services

Language Of Places

What is The Language of Places?

The Language of Places is a project which uses placenames as a medium for exploring the languages of Irish and Ulster-Scots as they exist in original placenames. As this is primarily a Good Relations project much of the focus is on encouraging positive attitudes towards Irish and Ulster-Scots and a respect for wider cultural diversity.

Background to the project

This project is funded by the Community Relations Unit (OFMDFM) and Derry City Council, and the first phase of the project was conducted in March 2009 and brought together children from Cumber Claudy PS and St Mary’s Altinure PS to explore the placenames in the Co. Derry area as inspiration for the creation of their own personalised pages of artwork within a handmade book – The Book of Places.

During the project, the children explored the history of sixteen different placenames throughout the Claudy and Park landscape (Co. Derry); the children learned of the origins of these names in Irish and learned the translations of these placenames into Ulster-Scots; these translations acted as gateways to the hidden histories contained in these placenames.

The completed book is available for viewing at the Tower Museum in Derry: Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, Derry BT48 6LU (028) 7137 2411.

Or, use the form below to request further information about how you or your school/organisation can make arrangements to view this unique book.