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Loro Gate –  Swangate – Geata Láragh – Central Gate

In the Book of Survey and Distribution map, circa 1583, of Athenry this gate is called Laragh Gate. This is an anglicised version of the Irish name “Geata Láragh” meaning the “Central Gate” or Main Gate!

“Loro” is an anglicised abbreviation of the vernacular pronunciation of the Irish name “Láragh”

Folklore tells us that this gate was named Swangate because at one time Sergeant Swan was the Keeper of the Gate and had a shebeen nearby! Nothing to do with the bird “swan” (“Eala” in Irish)

The land outside this gate is called “Laragh Gate Quarter” and in the map it was in the possession of a number of citizens of the town – “All Irish Papists”

Laragh Gate Quarter – compliments of the National Archives of Ireland

Council workers carrying out roadworks in Athenry, Co Galway, have made an important medieval discovery. The workers, who were preparing the ground for a new roundabout on the main Galway road, uncovered a portion of the town’s main entrance gate – Fiona Gartland, Irish Times.

Work in progress at Láragh Gate, Athenry – 01 Feb 2014

Geata Láragh – Loro Gate

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Written by Finbarr O'Regan

Published here 05 Feb 2021

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