Lios na gCearrbhach

Lisburn occupies a site of ancient strategic importance in County Antrim, its Irish name 'Lios na gCearrbhach' referring to a prehistoric ring-fort (lios) associated with gamblers or chess-players—a name suggesting either a settlement of leisure-time pursuits or, more likely, a place of high status where such pastimes were enjoyed. The town developed significantly during the medieval period as ...