A freshly re-designed website has launched to provide a 'gateway to the history of each of Cavan's 2,000 townlands'. It's called CavanTownlands.com, and brings together historical data and sources for each individual townland.
The site is hosted by husband and wife team Michael McShane, an enthusiastic family historian, and Catherine Kerr, a data scientist who has used her skills to compile and present the data they have gathered into an easily accessible layout.
"The emphasis of the site has been refocused on each of the 2000 townlands of County Cavan, says Michael. "Every townland is unique and we have created an individual page for each one. The new format is designed to bring together the historical data which we have uniquely researched along with the more generally available data which we have edited and improved on in terms of access and quality."
Data sources include location map and basic townland information along with relevant articles, where available, the 1609 Bodley Plantation Map, the 1652 Commonwealthy Survey; Tithe Applotment Books; the 1836 Name Book for townlands in nine parishes; the 1841 Census of Killeshandra; Griffith's Valuation records, and Logainm, the official database of Irish placenames. Most of these come with supporting articles which provide further background and tips on searching.
In addition, the site offers full access to an extensive (and growing) library of maps and books and articles.
Further development of the site will see more unique sources and articles added, as time allows. Michael says he is constantly seeking further historical information and any contributions including articles, books, photographs, maps etc will be greatly appreciated and all contributors fully credited.
If you have ancestral connections to County Cavan, be sure to check out the site by clicking the image above.