FERRITER PLACENAMES ON EARLY IRISH MAPS

Ptolemy’s Map

The Catallan Atlas 1470s

Zalterius 1569

Early representation on a N-S axis

Elizabethan Map: Dingle Peninsula, N-S Axis

Bingham’s Map, c1580 Bingham was an Elizabethan soldier who spent most of his career fighting in Ireland. This map pre-dates the final collapse of FitzGerald Desmond, but hints at what the Elizabethans were thinking of.

Ortellius Map, c1580 - 1600

Note: West is at the top

Kerry at Time Of McCarthy/Desmond Survey 1585

Map included in the McCarthy Survey, c1585. Taken subsequent to the suppression of the Desmond Geraldines, and in resolution of the case wherein the McCarthy Mor died without male issue.

Barony of Corckaguiney

This is a detail from the previous slide. It is noteworthy as it is the earliest known use of the Ferriter name as a placename on a map. On this map we see “feritor’s castle”, and “feritor’s Co.” The abbreviatin “Co.” appears nowhere else on this map. Based upon comparison with maps that follow this one, it may have meant “feritor’s country” but probably not “feritor’s cove”.

Late 1500s Early 1600s

c1600

Boazio/Ortelius 1608

Note: “Feriter Havn”, and “C. Sibill”

Blaue Map Variant, c1610• Note “Ferreter Haven” and “B. Ferreter”

Also Note: Depiction is on an E- W Axis

Speede’s Map, c1625

Kerry c1640

1685: Petty’s Down Survey

1699

1759

Note: “Ferriter’s Cove

c1800

Modern Map Depiction

Summary

• “Dun” (Doon) Point means Fort Point – no doubt predating Ferriter’s Fort, but the new Castle helped carry the name Forward.

• Dunurlin means “Fort of the Blonde Warrior Woman” (Dun Urla)• The first “le Fureter” was enfieffed in the Dunurlin area c1250• Ferriter’s Town, Ferriters Haven, Ferriter’s Quarter, and Ferriter’s

Islands names were no doubt in use by the 1400s.• The widespread typonomy involving “Ferriter” in its several

variants demonstrates the “power” of the name:– Legal authority– Social importance– Military significance– Economic Impact

Conclusion

• The association of a single name related to as many sites, features and places in a single geographical area in Ireland appears unparalleled

• The prevalence and persistence of the name Ferriter as applied to place names on Irish Maps is something noteworthy, and should be a source of pride.

Ferriter’s Lands Unchanging