Each county has its own unique history, culture and landscape.
If you’re interested in researching your Irish roots, learning about the counties can offer fascinating insights into the lives your ancestors may have led.
This article will give you a brief overview of each of the counties of Ireland. We’ll cover the historical background of the Irish counties, along with their Irish names and locations. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the counties of Ireland.
To learn more about the Irish people, visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
Historical Background of the Counties of Ireland
The historical counties of Ireland first began to take form in the 12th century, during the Norman invasion. Before that, the island was divided into a series of kingdoms. The Anglo-Normans first established counties as a way to better control the country.
In 1922, when Ireland left the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 26 counties remained part of what became the Irish Free State. Six northeastern counties in what is now known as Northern Ireland chose to remain part of the United Kingdom. The 26 counties that made up the Irish Free State became the Republic of Ireland in 1949.
Counties of Ireland
Here is a complete list of the counties in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We’ll include each county’s native Irish name and the province and region where it is located.
| County | Native Irish Name | Province | Region |
| County Antrim | Contae Aontroma | Ulster | Northern Ireland |
| County Armagh | Contae Ard Mhacha | Ulster | Northern Ireland |
| County Carlow | Contae Cheatharlach | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Cavan | Contae an Chabháin | Ulster | Northern and Western |
| County Clare | Contae an Chláir | Munster | Southern |
| County Cork | Contae Chorcaí | Munster | Southern |
| County Donegal | Contae Dhún na nGall | Ulster | Northern and Western |
| County Down | Contae an Dúin | Ulster | Northern Ireland |
| County Dublin | Contae Bhaile Átha Cliath | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown | Dún Laoghaire–Ráth an Dúin | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Fingal | Fine Gall | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County South Dublin | Áth Cliath Theas | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Fermanagh | Contae Fhear Manach | Ulster | Northern Ireland |
| County Galway | Contae na Gaillimhe | Connacht | Northern and Western |
| County Kerry | Contae Chiarraí | Munster | Southern |
| County Kildare | Contae Chill Dara | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Kilkenny | Contae Chill Chainnigh | Leinster | Southern |
| County Laois | Contae Laoise | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Leitrim | Contae Liatroma | Connacht | Northern and Western |
| County Limerick | Contae Luimnigh | Munster | Southern |
| County Londonderry | Contae Dhoire | Ulster | Northern Ireland |
| County Longford | Contae an Longfoirt | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Louth | Contae Lú | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Mayo | Contae Mhaigh Eo | Connacht | Northern and Western |
| County Meath | Contae na Mí | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Monaghan | Contae Mhuineacháin | Ulster | Northern and Western |
| County Offaly | Contae Uíbh Fhailí | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Roscommon | Contae Ros Comáin | Connacht | Northern and Western |
| County Sligo | Contae Shligigh | Connacht | Northern and Western |
| County Tipperary | Contae Thiobraid Árann | Munster | Southern |
| County Tyrone | Contae Thír Eoghain | Ulster | Northern Ireland |
| County Waterford | Contae Phort Láirge | Munster | Southern |
| County Westmeath | Contae na hIarmhí | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
| County Wexford | Contae Loch Garman | Leinster | Southern |
| County Wicklow | Contae Chill Mhantáin | Leinster | Eastern and Midland |
Irish Counties Map
The counties in Ireland are not just historical divisions. They also play an essential role in contemporary Irish life. Each county has its own local government structure, known as a county council. These councils are responsible for a range of services, including roads, water and planning.
Take a look at the map of Ireland below to get a better idea of the county boundaries and their geographical locations.
Researching your family history?
Irish surnames and first names carry a sense of place, culture, and pride. They can also provide vital information if you’re researching your family history in Ireland. Every branch of your family tree holds a story waiting to be told. Trace your Irish roots today with the support of expert genealogists at the Irish Family History Centre, located on-site at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
With one-to-one consultations and personalised research available online and in-person, explore your Irish ancestry with our team who have been tracing Irish family histories since 1998.
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