port of – ?

The origin of the second word in this name is not clear. The historical forms indicate that there was a vowel at the end of that word, and it seems most likely that they represent líona (perhaps related to the verb líon “fill” or the noun líon “net”, (FGB)). The personal name Clíona must also be considered, however. The historical forms from the Down Survey (Portcleane) indicate that the original form of the name was Port Chlíona (“the bank of Clíona”). There are no forms independent of the Down Survey indicating an initial c, however. It is probable then that those forms in the Down survey contain a scribal error and should be read as *Porteleane. (JÓG August 2026)