Dunnaval


Dunnaval is a small village and townland near Kilkeel in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is situated in the civil parish of Kilkeel and the historic barony of Mourne. In the United [Kingdom Census 2001|2001 Census] it had a population of 147 people. It lies within the Mourne District Council">Mourne (barony)">Mourne District Council area.
The pronunciation of the place name is important for understanding its origin. Locally, the stress is usually placed on the second syllable, which helps rule out some interpretations. For example, the suggestion that the name comes from Dún na bhFál is unlikely, as this would require stress on the third syllable. Based on local pronunciation and historical spellings, the name is more likely derived from dún and abhall. It was known as Dunavill in the rent roll of 1688.
Townlands that border Dunnaval include:
The Dunnaval earthen fort is an ancient fortification constructed atop a prominent esker. The fort has been carved directly into the top of this esker, occupying a commanding position midway between Greencastle and Kilkeel. From this vantage point, it offers strategic views over the surrounding landscape. The earthworks of the fort are significantly older than the nearby Greencastle Castle, which lies approximately 2.8 miles to the northeast and dates to the medieval period. In contrast, the fort's origins likely trace back to the Iron Age, making it a time-worn relic of early settlement and defence in the region.