Written by local historian, Fióna Gallagher, from Burton Street, the book has been several years in preparation, and is an opportunity to explore the process of urban growth and evolution since the foundation of Sligo by the Normans seven centuries ago. The author has had a long-abiding interest in the development of Sligo's urban fabric, and the evolution of local place names in general. Her enthusiasm and love for her home town is obvious from this work, as is her desire to make Sligonians aware of the intrinsic value of their streetscape, and to encourage them to preserve the best of it, in the face of often unsympathetic change. The publication follows the development of Sligo as an urban centre over the course of seven centuries, which is examined in the context of the development of towns in Ireland in general, and the form and functions of Sligo as a market centre.