Communities Come Together to Celebrate Completion of Unique Erne East Townlands Project

Residents, community representatives and local schools will come together on Friday 18 September to celebrate the completion of the ‘Many Pieces, One Place’ Erne East Townlands Project, a unique community initiative that explores and celebrates the historical, cultural and linguistic significance of local townland names.

The project, delivered across the Erne East area, has brought together 12 primary schools and 18 community organisations in the creation of a large-scale community artwork representing all 747 townlands within the area. Each townland has been carefully crafted as an individual jigsaw piece and decorated by participants to reflect local heritage, stories, landscapes and identities.

Developed in response to a need for greater social interaction and stronger community connections, the project has used creativity and shared learning as a means of bringing people together across generations and communities.

What makes the project particularly special is its unique focus on townlands, some of the oldest surviving land divisions in Ireland. Through a creative and innovative approach, the project has encouraged people to explore local heritage in a way that is engaging, educational and accessible, while fostering new friendships and strengthening existing community relationships.

The completed installation, measuring approximately 10m², will be assembled for the first time at the Castle Park Centre, Lisnaskea, on Friday 18 September as part of Culture Night celebrations.

The event will also provide an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of the many individuals, community representatives and primary schools whose support and enthusiasm helped bring the initiative to fruition.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said:

“Townlands are a unique and important part of our heritage, providing a link to the history, culture and traditions of the places we call home. Their names tell the story of our landscape and communities and form an important part of our local identity.

Many of these place names have their roots in the Irish language, reflecting centuries of history and offering an invaluable connection to our cultural heritage. Initiatives such as this help ensure that this rich legacy is preserved, celebrated and shared with future generations.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to protecting and promoting the cultural, linguistic and historical heritage of our district. This townland signage initiative is a wonderful example of that commitment in action and of the pride local people have in preserving the unique character of their area.

I would like to thank all those who have contributed to bringing this initiative to completion, particularly the local communities, individuals and primary schools whose support, knowledge and enthusiasm have helped make it possible. This achievement is a credit to the people of Erne East and their commitment to celebrating and preserving their local heritage.”

The event will celebrate the successful completion of the initiative and the enduring importance of townlands in preserving the history, identity and heritage of Fermanagh and Omagh. As part of Culture Night 2026, attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the origins and meanings of local place names and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that continues to shape the Erne East area.