Doonshean Explained

Doonshean or Doonsheane (or Dún Séann)^[1] is a townland in western County Kerry in Ireland. It is located about 3.8 km east from the neighbouring town of Dingle.

The area gets its name from the nearby Doonmore fort, with dún (fort) transliterated to doon, and síon deriving from the word síneadh meaning a stretch of land. The promontory fort is accessible by walking through the fields. There are also a number of other ring forts, enclosures and related archaeological sites in the area.^[2]

Dún Síon's beach has views of the village Kinnard in the neighbouring parish of Lispole. The Siorrach, meaning "foal", is a sea stack which can be seen from the beach and is said to resemble a foal. The Trá Bheag, meaning "small beach", runs along the beach until it meets the sea.

Notable people

The sports commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was born in Dún Síon, and wrote a book titled From Dún Síon to Croke Park.^[3]

References

52.1267°N -10.2267°W

Notes and References

1. Web site: Dún Séann / Doonsheane . Irish Placenames Commission . logainm.ie . 15 October 2020 .
2. Web site: County Kerry . National Monuments and Historic Properties Service . Record of Monuments and Places as Established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 . 1997 . 15 October 2020 .
3. News: Dún Síon native and legendary GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh announces his retirement. The Dingle News. 16 September 2010. 16 September 2010.