Gaelic urbanisation, Cavan town, Ulster plantation, Ulster towns
In an examination of the origins of the principal towns of Ireland, Cavan and Longford hold the distinction of being the only two classified as being Gaelic market towns. Together these towns provide unique examples of indigenous urbanisation within a country dominated by towns of colonial origins. Despite the distinctive origins of Cavan town within the wider Irish urban network, it has in terms of its morphology and evolution received only passing reference from historians and historical geographers and only recently has it received some of the attention which it merits.The purpose of this essay is to examine the origins and evolution of Cavan town during the period from the early 14th century through to the mid-17th century, charting its transformation from a Gaelic market town to an Ulster plantation town.