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| MARKET PLACE, NAVEN, CO. MEATH. -Naven has the queer distinction of being about the only important place in Ireland whose name, in English, spells the same "backward and forward." It is one of the most ancient towns of the royal county of Meath, which, with more territory, long since incorporated with other counties of Leinster, once formed a province in itself. The name of Navan would seem to be derived from the Gaelic Eamhuin-pronounced Aven-a great rath, with, according to Professor Joyce, the Irish article "an," contracted as usual to "n," placed before the Gaelic name thus-n Eamhuin-the pronunciation of which is exactly represented by Navan. The gigantic rath, a mile and a half west of Armagh, originally spelled in the same manner, is called by the English speaking people of Ulster "Navan Fort," thus establishing the logical relationship of the names. The town is situated at the junction of the Boyne and Blackwater rivers, about 28 miles northwest of Dublin, and has a fine inland trade. It contains flour, flax and paper mills, a tannery and other comparatively properous local industries. The Catholic Seminary, established after the abolition of the penal laws, is one of the best in Ireland. There are also four national schools, a convent school and other educational establishments. A ruin called "St. Kevin's house" is pointed out in the old part of the town, and there are many relics of antiquity in the neighboorhood. The sketch shows the market square of the town. |
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