Bealnalappa

 

Townland of Bealnalappa highlighted in yellow

Anglicized from Irish: Bhéal na leaba

Translates to: “The opening of the bed” or “The entrance to the graves”

Etymology:

The etymology of this placename is somewhat unclear although two translations are plausible. The first – ‘the opening of the bed’ – can be interpreted in relation to the Drimneen River which descends under a natural bridge near the north-western border of the townland. Its reemergence could be described as an opening of the river bed hence the creation of the placename. The other, more likely, explanation concerns the presence of Killeroon Church and Graveyard on the eastern border of the townland. Although no road ran toward the site in earlier times the quickest access to the graveyard and church would probably have been gained through Bealnalappa hence the name ‘the entrance to the graves’.

Size: 31 acres , 1 rods , 32 perchs

Siting:

In the north-eastern part of Kilcummin parish. Bounded on the north by Aughnanure, on the east by the parish of Killannin (Laghtgannon), on the west by Moyvoon East and Moyvoon West and on the south by Magherbeg.

Description:

The land is good but stony in parts. Contains 31½ acres, all under tillage and pasture except about 6 acres of bog. The Clifden/Oughterard road runs through the north of the townland from east to west.

Placenames within townland:

Drimneen River (river) – A small river which comes from Lough Buffy dividing the parishes of Kilcummin and Killannin for a considerable distance passing under Aughnanure Castle and entering into Lough Corrib.

Previous proprietor/landlord:

Richard Martin (1670)

Earl of Clanrickard (1670)

Thomas B. Martin of Ballinahinch Castle (c. 1850)

Land Value (1857): £ 15 s. 0 d. 0

Buildings Value (1857): £ 0 s. 0 d. 0

Surnames attached to the townland (1857-1911):

Walsh, O’Brien