Annagelliffe Graveyard - A Cavan Tidy Towns Project

01/11/2026

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If your people came from County Cavan, some of these names may be yours.

Cavan sits in the old kingdom of Breifne, a land of drumlins, small lakes and long memories. When the clerks of the Registrar General counted the births of 1890 and sorted them by surname, a very particular set of names rose to the top of the Cavan list.

Reilly led the county by a wide margin, followed by Smith, Brady and Lynch. The card shows a selection of names from that list, many of them tied closely to the old Gaelic families of the county, such as Brady, McGovern and Galligan. Others, such as Clarke and Martin, reflect later arrivals who settled and became part of the county's story.

A surname can tell you where to start looking. If you find yours here, there is a good chance your family lived within a few miles of the same lake or hill for generations.

Is your name on this list?

24/10/2026

Cavan Tidy towns winner of for the climate and biodiversity category. Annagelliff being a part of the adjucation. 👏👏

Congratulations to Tidy Towns Cavan, winners in the Climate Action and Biodiversity category at the Pride of Place awards!

24/09/2026

Before the counties were drawn there was a kingdom called Breifne, and it covered what is now Cavan and Leitrim along with pieces of the ground around them.

It was ruled first by the O'Rourkes and then split, with the O'Reillys taking the eastern half, which is roughly modern Cavan, and the O'Rourkes holding the west, which is roughly Leitrim. The two families spent several hundred years in a rivalry that shaped every other family in the territory, because smaller lineages had to attach themselves to one side or the other, and the gallowglass MacCabes were brought in to serve both.

It is drumlin country, a landscape of small round hills, small lakes and bad roads, and it was never rich. What it produced instead was an unusually distinct set of surnames, names that barely appear anywhere else in Ireland and that place a family almost exactly when you find one.

21/09/2026

Ever wondered about the records housed in the Cavan County Archives Department?
Don’t miss your chance to see some of the baptismal, marriage and death records from a selection of parishes of Cavan which will be on display in Johnston Central Library on Saturday 26th September for National Public Libraries Open Day.
The Archivist will be on hand to answer questions between 1.30pm and 3pm on the day.

21/08/2026

The community of Maudabawn will come together this weekend to celebrate 200 years of St Patrick's Church.

20/08/2026

A few more snaps from today! We were blessed the weather cooperated with us until after the tour Tidy Towns Cavan Cavan Heritage The Heritage Council Cavan County Council Cavan Heritage Week

20/08/2026

A great day today! Thanks all who came along. It was wonderful speaking with everyone.

18/08/2026

Join us this Thursday 20th August between 9:30 and 12:30 for a tour and chat at Annagilliffe Graveyard, Hear about the exciting plans being put in place to preserve and protect this historic site. Annagelliffe Graveyard and Church pre-dates Cavans Abbeyland and may hold the secrets of Cavan Towns existence, come join us on Thursday and enjoy some refreshments and scones.

Cavan Heritage
Cavan County Council

06/08/2026

As part of National Heritage Week 2026, Cavan Tidy Towns is delighted to invite the public to a special Annagilliff Graveyard and Church Tour and Presentation on Thursday, 20th August. This unique event offers an opportunity to discover one of County Cavan's most significant historic sites while learning about the people, stories and heritage that have shaped the local community over the centuries.
The event forms part of Cavan Tidy Towns' ongoing commitment to protecting, celebrating and promoting the rich natural, built and cultural heritage of County Cavan. Through conservation projects, historical research, community engagement and educational initiatives, Cavan Tidy Towns works tirelessly to ensure that important heritage sites such as Annagilliff are preserved and appreciated by future generations.
Visitors will enjoy a guided walk through the historic graveyard and church, followed by an informative presentation exploring the history, archaeology and local significance of the site. Whether you have a personal connection to Annagilliff, an interest in local history, or simply enjoy discovering hidden gems, this event promises an engaging and memorable experience.
Light refreshments will be served following the presentation, providing an opportunity to meet fellow heritage enthusiasts, chat with members of Cavan Tidy Towns, and learn more about the group's ongoing work to protect and enhance the heritage, biodiversity and environment of County Cavan. Everyone is warmly welcome.

31/07/2026