Unanimous support for motion to restore historic name of Sligo-Leitrim waterfall
Councillors unanimously backed a motion calling for the waterfall on the Sligo-Leitrim border to be known by its historic Irish name, Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird.
A motion to rename a popular tourist attraction on the Sligo-Leitrim county boundary back to its original and historic name received unanimous support from councillors at a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District.
Cllr James Gilmartin asked that the MD write to Sligo County Council requesting that it use only the correct and historic name “Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird,” with the English translation “ Stream in the Face of the Height,” for the waterfall on the Sligo-Leitrim boundary which has come to be known as “The Devil’s Chimney.”
He asked that all signage, promotional material and map references should reflect the bilingual name. “The name ‘The Devil’s Chimney’ has no historical connection to the area and was introduced without public consultation.
“Restoring the original name would protect our Irish language heritage, strengthen our sense of place, and preserve the authentic identity of this unique natural landmark,” his motion stated.
Cllr Gilmartin told the meeting that the name ‘The Devil’s Chimney’ came about 10 years ago with no public consultation when Sligo County Council carried out works on a walkway with the help of a private landowner.
“There has been a lot of upset on both sides of the county boundary. As Irish people we have a great sense of place when it comes to the naming of our areas in Irish,” Cllr Gilmartin said. “That has been for different reasons lost in some regards. The connection to place is really important and more important than a tourist attraction,” he added.