ORIGINS OF THE NAME BONANE

Bonane derives its name from Fionn Mac Cumhall, the legendary leader of the Fianna, who maintained a Both or hunting lodge here - hence the old Gaelic name Both-Fhionáin or Fionn's house, now anglicised to Bonane.

The peace and tranquillity of Bonane would have provided the perfect retreat after his gruesome battle with the fearsome giant Ein (after whom Neidin, now Kenmare, is named). During the battle so fierce was the fighting that, according to legend, "they made the hard ground soft and the soft ground hard!"

The local river is named after Fionn's son Oisin. Originally known as Abha Oisin or Oisin's river, it has since been anglicised to River Sheen.