The townland was named after an earthen ringfort (lios), which was in the area of present-day "Fort Hill" in Lisburn. Today, most of the north-eastern part of Lisburn is within Lisnagarvey townland. Its eastern boundary is the River Lagan, its southern boundary is Governor's Road and its western boundary is Antrim Street/Antrim Road. It includes Wallace Park, Christ Church Cathedral and Thompson House Hospital.