Clonalvy

Clonalvy is a civil parish which is located in both Co Meath in Ireland. The name is taken from the Irish language and simply means (Cluain => Clon (Eng) => Meadow and (Áilbhe) Áilbhe (a a name of a person or place). It is taken to mean Ailbhe's Meadow but could also refer to the Meadow of the Ailbine River (now Delvin River).

According to the Placenames Database of Ireland "Clonalvy, just beside Fourknocks, seems a most likely location for the famous Lia Ailbhe, the standing stone described in AN as 'the chief monument of Brega' (príomh-dindgnai Maighi Bregh) in 999, when it fell and was made into four millstones by Máelaschlainn the high king ^[1]

There are several variations of the spelling of Clonalvy, including Clonolvy, Clonalvey, Cluain Ailbhe.

Clonalvy's church was dedicated to St John the Baptist with its feast day falling on June 24th. This followed the practice of the Norman settlement, moving the church from the traditional Celtic system. The tithe of the Church and Parish being directed to the Canons of Llananthony (prima and secunda) Wales from 1172 to 1541. The Norman church now lies in ruins in the townland of Flemingtown.

References

1. ^ Byrne, Excavations at Knowth PRIA 66C4 p. 396