Branny facts for kids

Branny is a small area of land in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It's known as a townland, which is a traditional way of dividing land in Ireland. Branny is part of a larger historic area called the barony of Dungannon Lower. It also belongs to the civil parish of Carnteel. This townland covers about 228 acres, which is roughly the size of 170 football fields!

Discover Branny: A Small Place with a Big Story

Branny might be a small area, but it has its own unique history and features. Learning about places like Branny helps us understand the past of Northern Ireland.

What is a Townland?

A townland is a very old way of dividing land in Ireland. These divisions existed long before modern maps or counties. They are still used today for things like addresses and land records. Think of it like a very old neighborhood boundary.

Where Did the Name Branny Come From?

The name Branny comes from the Irish language. It comes from the word Brannaidh. This word means "pens" or "folds for sheep." This suggests that long ago, Branny might have been a place where sheep were kept or gathered.

Branny's Past: A Look at Its Population

Over time, the number of people living in Branny has changed. During the 1800s, the population of the townland became smaller. For example, in 1841, there were 24 people living in 4 houses. By 1861, only 8 people lived in 2 houses. This shows how communities can grow or shrink over many years.

Uncovering History: The Hilltop Enclosure

Branny is home to an important historical site. There is a "Scheduled Historic Monument" located here. This monument is a hilltop enclosure. An enclosure is an area that was likely surrounded by a wall or ditch a very long time ago. These sites often tell us about how people lived, worked, or defended themselves in ancient times. This particular enclosure is found at grid reference H6826 5556.