ORIGIN OF THE NAME
Haggard Street is a historic street located in the heart of Trim, County Meath, Ireland. It runs more or less perpendicular to the River Boyne and is home to a mix of residential and commercial properties, including apartments, shops, and offices. The street is known for its charming character, with several buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
On Navangate Street leading from the Newtown Monuments was the Navan Gate, the eastern gate in the town walls. Along the road on the southside a wall plaque commemorates this gate. Navan Gate was sometimes called Rogues Castle. A well known local rhyme went: “Kells for brogues, Navan for rogues and Trim for hanging the people” … The middle ages came to an end in three events in County Meath. In 1542 the Liberty was divided into two, Westmeath and Meath, setting up the county we know today, with county courts and county sheriff and its capital at Trim. Navan is now the capital.
I was asked if Haggard was a Viking Name after I had published a photograph of the Haggard Inn. In Meath and elsewhere ‘The Haggard’ frequently appears as a field name. This is almost always an area adjacent to the farm yard or what once was a farm yard. Traditionally this was an enclosed area on a farm for stacking hay, grain or other fodder. Collins English Dictionary describes Haggard as follows – “Haggard – (in Ireland and the Isle of Man) – an enclosure beside a farmhouse in which crops are stored. Related to old Norse Heygarthr, from hey hay + garthr yard.” It is most likely that this word has a Scandanavian or Norse origin.
Note: The word "haggard" in an Irish context doesn't carry the negative connotation it might have in other English-speaking countries. For example:
Unkempt or neglected appearance: The word "haggard" can be used to describe a person's appearance if they look tired, worn out, or unkempt. It implies a sense of exhaustion or neglect, similar to the way it's used in other English-speaking countries.
Disorder or chaos: When describing a place, "haggard" can sometimes suggest a sense of disorder or disarray. It might imply that the area is messy, untidy, or poorly maintained.
Rural or unsophisticated: In some contexts, the word "haggard" can be used in a derogatory way to imply that someone or something is rural, unsophisticated, or lacking in refinement. This usage is less common but can still carry negative connotations.
On Navangate Street leading from the Newtown Monuments was the Navan Gate, the eastern gate in the town walls. Along the road on the southside a wall plaque commemorates this gate. Navan Gate was sometimes called Rogues Castle. A well known local rhyme went: “Kells for brogues, Navan for rogues and Trim for hanging the people” … The middle ages came to an end in three events in County Meath. In 1542 the Liberty was divided into two, Westmeath and Meath, setting up the county we know today, with county courts and county sheriff and its capital at Trim. Navan is now the capital.
I was asked if Haggard was a Viking Name after I had published a photograph of the Haggard Inn. In Meath and elsewhere ‘The Haggard’ frequently appears as a field name. This is almost always an area adjacent to the farm yard or what once was a farm yard. Traditionally this was an enclosed area on a farm for stacking hay, grain or other fodder. Collins English Dictionary describes Haggard as follows – “Haggard – (in Ireland and the Isle of Man) – an enclosure beside a farmhouse in which crops are stored. Related to old Norse Heygarthr, from hey hay + garthr yard.” It is most likely that this word has a Scandanavian or Norse origin.
Note: The word "haggard" in an Irish context doesn't carry the negative connotation it might have in other English-speaking countries. For example:
Unkempt or neglected appearance: The word "haggard" can be used to describe a person's appearance if they look tired, worn out, or unkempt. It implies a sense of exhaustion or neglect, similar to the way it's used in other English-speaking countries.
Disorder or chaos: When describing a place, "haggard" can sometimes suggest a sense of disorder or disarray. It might imply that the area is messy, untidy, or poorly maintained.
Rural or unsophisticated: In some contexts, the word "haggard" can be used in a derogatory way to imply that someone or something is rural, unsophisticated, or lacking in refinement. This usage is less common but can still carry negative connotations.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME