Dunnaval

Dunnaval (from Irish Dún Abhaill, meaning 'stronghold of the apple-tree') is a small village and townland (of 273 acres) near Kilkeel in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is situated in the civil parish of Kilkeel and the historic barony of Mourne. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 147 people. It lies within the Newry and 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 ("fort of the enclosures") 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 (meaning "fort") and abhall (meaning "apple tree"). It was known as Dunavill in the rent roll of 1688. Townlands that border Dunnaval include: Ballyardel to the north Ballynahatten to the west Derryoge to the east Drummanmore to the west