Tobermory
Gaelic name: Tobar Mhoire
Meaning: “Mary’s Well” — named after a sacred well dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The town grew around this site, which still exists near the harbour.
Bunessan
Gaelic name: Bun Easain
Meaning: “Mouth of the Little Waterfall” — refers to the stream that flows into the bay. Bunessan is the main settlement on the Ross of Mull.
Fionnphort
Gaelic name: Port Fhionn
Meaning: “White Port” or “Fair Port” — named for the pale sands and clear waters. It serves as the main ferry point to Iona.
Lochbuie
Gaelic name: Loch Buidhe
Meaning: “Yellow Loch” — likely refers to the colour of the water or surrounding vegetation. The area includes Moy Castle and historic clan sites.
Craignure
Gaelic name: Creag an Iubhair
Meaning: “Rock of the Yew Tree” — reflects the rocky coastline and once-abundant yew trees. Craignure is Mull’s main ferry terminal from Oban.
Salen
Gaelic name: An t-Sàilein
Meaning: “The Little Inlet” — describes the sheltered bay where the village sits. Salen is a central point on Mull’s east coast.
Gruline
Gaelic name: Grùlain
Meaning: “Sunny Place” or “Place of Warmth” — located near Loch na Keal, the name reflects its open, south-facing position.
Kilninian
Gaelic name: Cill Ninian
Meaning: “Church of St Ninian” — named after the early Christian missionary. The church, built in 1755 on ancient foundations, is now home to the Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints. It remains in active use for worship and pilgrimage, with a historic graveyard nearby.
Pennyghael
Gaelic name: Peighinn nan Gàidheal
Meaning: “Pennyland of the Gaels” — a reference to medieval land valuation. The area was historically Gaelic-speaking and agriculturally active.
Dervaig
Gaelic name: Dearbhaig
Meaning: “Little Oakwood” — a wooded settlement in the north of Mull. The name reflects the native oak forests that once dominated the area.
Glengorm
Gaelic name: Gleann Gorm
Meaning: “Blue Glen” — named in the 1850s by James Forsyth, who mistook the blue haze for a natural effect. It was actually smoke from burning tenant homes during the Clearances. The name stuck, and Glengorm Castle was built on the cleared land.
Kintra
Gaelic name: Ceann na Tràgha
Meaning: “Head of the Beach” — a small coastal settlement west of Bunessan, known for its long stretch of sand and proximity to the Ross of Mull’s walking routes.
Knock
Gaelic name: An Cnoc
Meaning: “The Hill” — a small village near Salen. The name refers to the low hill above the settlement and its surrounding farmland.
Calgary
Gaelic name: Cala ghearraidh
Meaning: “Beach of the Meadow” — one of Mull’s most iconic beaches. The name combines “cala” (harbour or beach) and “gearraidh” (meadow or pasture).
Aros
Gaelic name: Àros
Meaning: “Dwelling” or “House” — derived from Old Gaelic, the name refers to a settlement or residence. Aros is located near Salen and is home to the ruins of Aros Castle, a 13th-century stronghold overlooking the Sound of Mull.
