 The OS name book describes it as a sub-denomination of Clonmoyle West and 'situated in the north-west part of the townland ... about 50 chains () north from Aghabologue Chapel'.An Irish version of , is given, meaning 'the old booth or tent'.O'Donoghue (1986) describes Shanavough as located in the northern end of the townland, and suggests an Irish version of "Seana Mhacha", meaning 'old enclosure or milking place'.