TOWNLAND Meaning and
Definition
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A townland is a geographic unit or administrative division found mainly in Ireland. It refers to a small territorial division of land, typically varying in size but usually comprising a few hundred acres or less. Townlands are typically found in rural areas and are often associated with agricultural communities. They have historical origins dating back to medieval times and have been an integral part of Irish land tenure.
Townlands play a significant role in the local governance and land ownership structure in Ireland. They were traditionally used for administrative purposes, such as taxation and land management. Each townland is identified by a unique name, which can provide insights into the historical, linguistic, or geographical features associated with the area.
Furthermore, townlands often represent a sense of local identity and community. They serve as a cultural and social focal point, with residents often having a strong connection to their townland and taking pride in its history and heritage.
In modern times, townlands continue to have some legal and administrative functions, such as being used in postal addresses or land registry records. However, their governance role has diminished, and they are now considered primarily as geographic divisions rather than administrative units. Overall, the concept of a townland is integral to understanding the landscape and cultural fabric of rural Ireland.
Common Misspellings for TOWNLAND
- gownland
- yownland
- 6ownland
- 5ownland
- tiwnland
- tkwnland
- tlwnland
- tpwnland
- t0wnland
- t9wnland
- toqnland
- toanland
- tosnland
- toenland
- to3nland
- to2nland
- towbland
- towmland
- towjland
- towhland
Etymology of TOWNLAND
The word "townland" comes from Irish and has its roots in the Old Irish word "tún" meaning "enclosure" or "town". The suffix "-land" is added to indicate its meaning as a distinct piece of land or territory. In Ireland, a townland refers to a small territorial unit that traditionally formed the basis of land division. It is still commonly used today in Ireland to describe small rural subdivisions.
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