Baile Átha Cliath

Baile Átha Cliath, meaning 'town of the ford of hurdles,' refers to a crossing point on the River Liffey where wattled hurdles or mats were laid to enable travellers to ford at low tide. This Irish name contrasts with the English 'Dublin,' which derives from Dubh Linn (black pool), a separate location at the confluence of the Poddle and Liffey where Viking ships moored. The two names reflect tw...