Sean Curraoin
he/him
Mapping Meaning
This project explores Ireland’s linguistic heritage by uncovering the original meanings behind Irish placenames that have been hidden or lost through centuries of anglicisation. These names, often rooted in the land, mythology and local memory, once offered rich insights into the character of a place. Over time, colonial processes stripped many of these names of their meaning, disconnecting them from their cultural and linguistic origins.
Through a series of illustrations, displayed both on flags and through an interactive digital map, the project reimagines placenames as visual narratives. It celebrates the poetry and depth of the Irish language while encouraging reflection on wider issues around cultural erasure and identity.
By making these stories visible again, this project invites people to see familiar places differently, and to reconnect with the deeper layers of meaning beneath the surface.