After Achnasheen

In his wonderful poem, Achnasheen, Pearse Hutchinson addresses the anglicisation of gaelic placenames. Speaking of Achnasheen in Ross-shire, Scotland, he says,

‘Is isn’t Gaelic any more. It could never be English.
Despite the murderous maps,
despite the bereft roadsigns,
despite the casual distortions of illiterate scribes,
the name remains beautiful. A maimed beauty.’

And sure enough they are still beautiful as I hope this “poem”, a selection of placenames on the island of Ireland, demonstrates.

After Achnasheen

Ballydehob Kilmacow Kiltyclogher

Cong Shanagolden Glencree

Gouganne Barra Kilbrickan Knocknagoshel

Cong Belturbet Lisnaskea

Ballycumber Ballyvourney Killargue

Toomevara Ardglass Timoleague

Labasheeda Lismore Glenamaddy

Goleen Tubbercurry Athleague

Kanturk Kilaloe Toormakeady

Rush Keshcarrigan Kilmovee

Termonfeckin Tarmonbarry Dualla

Skeheenarinky Cleggan Kilkee