Irish counties by their literal meaning
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Ireland, known as Éire in Irish, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was inhabited by Celtic tribes and became a center of early Christian learning. In the 12th century, English influence increased, leading to centuries of political and religious conflicts, including the Great Famine of the 19th century. The struggle for independence culminated in the early 20th century with the Irish War of Independence and the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom, resulting in ongoing tensions. Today, Ireland is a sovereign nation with a dynamic culture, marked by its literary heritage, Celtic traditions, and economic growth.
Ireland is divided into 32 counties, which are further grouped into four provinces: Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster. These counties have historical, cultural, and administrative significance.
- Leinster:
- Carlow: Known for its rolling hills and historical sites.
- Dublin: The capital city of Ireland and a hub of culture, business, and history.
- Kildare: Famous for the Curragh Plains and horse racing.
- Kilkenny: Renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant arts scene.
- Laois: A county with a mix of historical attractions and natural beauty.
- Longford: Known for its scenic landscapes and waterways.
- Louth: Home to the town of Dundalk and the Cooley Peninsula.
- Meath: Rich in archaeological heritage, including the ancient site of Newgrange.
- Offaly: Diverse in its landscape, from bogs to woodlands.
- Westmeath: Known for its lakes, particularly Lough Ree and Lough Derravaragh.
- Wexford: Famous for its stunning coastline and historical sites.
- Wicklow: Known as the “Garden of Ireland” for its natural beauty.
- Munster:
- Clare: Home to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren region.
- Cork: Ireland’s largest county, known for its bustling city and scenic countryside.
- Kerry: Famous for the Ring of Kerry, a picturesque coastal route.
- Limerick: A county with a rich history and a vibrant city.
- Tipperary: Known for its rolling hills and historical sites.
- Waterford: Ireland’s oldest city and a center of Viking history.
- Cork City: A separate administrative entity within County Cork.
- Connacht:
- Galway: A coastal county known for Galway City and its cultural festivals.
- Leitrim: Known for its tranquil lakes and picturesque landscapes.
- Mayo: Home to Croagh Patrick and stunning Atlantic coastline.
- Roscommon: Known for its rural landscapes and historical sites.
- Sligo: Famous for its literary heritage and natural beauty.
- Ulster:
- Cavan: A county known for its lakes and outdoor activities.
- Donegal: Known for its rugged landscapes and dramatic coastline.
- Monaghan: A county with a mix of farmland and lakes.
- Antrim: Home to the Giant’s Causeway and the city of Belfast.
- Armagh: Known for its historical significance and connection to St. Patrick.
- Derry / Londonderry: A city and county with a complex history.
- Down: Known for its picturesque landscapes and Mourne Mountains.
- Fermanagh: Famous for its lakes and waterways.
- Tyrone: A county with a diverse landscape and historical sites.
Also fascinating is how the names of Irish counties are translated into English. Below is the map of Ireland with counties names after literal translation of them.
It’s important to note that while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and contains six counties (Antrim, Armagh, Derry/Londonderry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone), the Republic of Ireland consists of the remaining 26 counties.
To learn more about Ireland, have a look at:
