ETYMOLOGY OF ARMAGH.

In reply to the inquiry of "D.S.Y." (p. 158. of your 10th number), I beg
to say that the name of Armagh is written, in Irish, Ardmacha, and
signifies the Height (or high ground) of Macha. It is supposed to have
derived this name from Macha Mong-ruadh [i.e. Macha of the red hair],
who was queen of Ireland, according to the Chronology of O'Flaherty,
A.M. 3603.

I.H.T.

Dublin, Jan. 5. 1850.


Sir,--There are the following authorities for different derivations of
the word _Armagh_.

Camden, in his _Britannia_, says:--

"_Armach_ ab Amarchâ reginâ; sic dictum fabulantur Hibernici; at
mihi eadem esse videtur quam _Dearmach_ vocat Beda: et _Roborum
Campum_ ex lingua Scotica sive Hibernica interpretatur, ubi
circa annum salutis DLX. monaterium extruxit celeberrimum
Columbanus."

Dr. Keating's _Hist. of Ireland_ has as follows:--

"_Macha_ the wife of Nemedius died before her son Ainnim ...
from her _Ardmagh_ received its name, because she was buried in