Republic of Ireland County Guides
Thinking about moving to Ireland or maybe wondering where to go and stay on a visit to the Emerald Isle? Irish County Guides to help with tips and places to go in order to make your stay in Ireland more pleasurable and to suit your needs. County Carlow
Carlow is Ireland's second smallest county in area, and accordingly has one of the smaller county populations at around 50,000 although this is now rising quickly with the influx of Dublin commuters. It is located inland in the South East, in the province of Leinster, surrounded by Kilkenny, Laois, Kildare, Wicklow and Wexford.
Towns within the county include Carlow town, Bagenalstown, Tullow, Ballon, Borris, Bunclody, Clonegall, Graiguenamanagh, Hacketstown, Leighlinbridge, Rathvilly and Tinryland.
Carlow town, standing on the River Barrow, is the principal town of the region with a population of some 20,000 people. The town has had a turbulent historic past dating back over many centuries and sights such as the castle ruins and the old courthouse are impressive reminders of times gone by. It is now the home of the Institute of Technology Carlow, and thus Carlow town has a thriving student population of about 3,000. Due to improved motorway links, the county is now an ideal location for longer distance weekday commuters to the Dublin area. Residents can enjoy the benefits of cheaper prices and semi-rural locations whilst being within one hour’s drive of Dublin city.
County Cavan
Cavan is situated in the North Midlands within the historical province of Ulster. It shares boundaries with Leitrim, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Meath, Westmeath and Longford and the county can boast being the source of the River Shannon, Ireland's biggest river.
The county has a population of 64,000 and the two major towns are Cavan town and Belturbet. These towns stand on the N3 highway which links Cavan directly with Dublin, although at 70 and 80 miles distances respectively, these locations are a fairly long commute with driving times taking 90 minutes plus.
Other towns of note include Arvagh, Bailieborough, Ballyconnell, Ballyhaise, Ballyjamesduff, Bawnboy, Blacklion, Butlers Bridge, Cootehill, Killashandra, Kilnaleck, Kingscourt, Mullagh, Shercock, Swanlinbar and Virginia.
County Clare
Clare is a beautifully scenic county with a coastline in the west of Ireland making it one of Ireland's larger tourist destinations. Visitors never cease to wonder at the ever-changing sights that surprise and delight in this county forming part of the province of Munster, from the majestic Cliffs of Moher, through to the lunar landscape of the Burren. Clare is home to Shannon airport and the county town of Ennis is swathed in history. Other Clare attractions include Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, and the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (N.B. the famous Lisdoonvarna music festival is sadly now defunct, but the pubs of nearby Doolin keep up the traditional Irish music links of the area). A large part of the Lough Derg pleasure lake falls within County Clare also.
This large county has a resident population of 111,000 but vast areas are unspoilt and relatively undeveloped. Other larger towns of interest in Clare include Milltown Malbay, Lahinch, Ennistymon, Kilkee and Kilrush, but don’t rule out visits to Ardnacrusha, Ballyvaughan, Corrofin, Cratloe, Doonbeg, Feakle, Kilfenora, Kilkishen, Killaloe, Kilmihil, Liscannor, Newmarket-on-Fergus, O'Briensbridge-Montpelier, Quilty, Quin, Scarriff, Sixmilebridge, Tulla, or Whitegate.
County Cork
Cork is the most southerly and by far the largest county in Ireland at nearly 7500 square kilometres in area. It is nicknamed the Rebel County after many Corkmen defied national rule in various historic British and Irish civil disputes.
The city of Cork is the capital of the province of Munster and the Republic’s second biggest city. It stands upon the River Lee at the point where the river branches into two adjacent wide channels. Recent and ongoing redevelopment of old quayside buildings now gives the city centre a clean and cosmopolitan feel. The city was the European capital of culture in 2005 and many cultural initiatives (such as the magnificent Opera House) still thrive today. The region is served by a newly expanded and modernised airport located just minutes from the city centre by car. This city is home to a major university, UCC, and the Cork School of Music, so it has a lively student population.
The most westerly areas of the county, known logically as West Cork, still retain a tangible remoteness and attract many tourists seeking out rural tranquillity or rugged coastlines. Other famous attractions are the Blarney Stone, and Cobh harbour which was the Titanic’s last port of call on its ill-fated voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The more modern Cork harbour claims to be the world’s second largest natural harbour (after Sydney in Australia).
Outside of Cork city lie the attractive main towns of Kinsale, Bandon, Clonakilty, Midleton, Youghal, Ringaskiddy, Carrigaline, Mitchelstown, Fermoy and Mallow. However newcomers to this county could also visit Whitegate, Aghada, Ballycotton, Cloyne, Ballineen/Enniskean, Ballingeary, Ballyclogh, Ballydehob, Ballydesmond, Ballyhooly, Ballymakeery, Baltimore, Banteer, Bantry, Boherboy, Bridebridge, Buttevant, Carrigtwohill, Castlelyons, Castlemartyr, Castletownbere, Castletownroche, Castletownshend, Church Bay, Coachford, Conna, Courtmacsherry, Crookstown, Crosshaven, Doneraile, Drimoleague, Dromina, Drommahane, Dunmanway, Durrus, Farran, Glanworth, Inchigeelagh, Innishannon, Kanturk, Kildorrery, Killavullen, Killeagh, Kilworth, Knocknagree, Leap, Liscarroll, Macroom, Milford, Millstreet, Model Village - Dripsey, Newmarket, Passage West, Rathcormac, Charleville, Ross Carbery, Schull, Shanagarry, Skibbereen, Timoleague, Unionhall or Watergrasshill.
County Donegal
Donegal is situated in the very North West of the country and confusingly, for those without a detailed knowledge of Ireland, this Ulster county contains the most northerly land on the island (Malin Head), yet it is not in the UK province of Northern Ireland. It is the fourth largest county in Ireland, and the largest within the historical province of Ulster. The county’s relative remoteness in the far north-west means that overall the area has a low density of population with just 137,500 people living within its boundaries.
County Donegal is unique in that it only shares its boundaries with one other county (Leitrim) in the Republic, thus Donegal maintains strong economic links with its neighbours in Northern Ireland, namely Fermanagh, Tyrone and in particular Londonderry. In fact, many Donegal residents commute to Derry city for employment.
County Donegal has approximately 650 kilometres of spectacular coastline and is a popular surfing destination, with one of Europe's premier reef breaks located in the southern town of Bundoran. The largest town in Donegal is Letterkenny, and the official county town is Lifford, despite the presence of a town called Donegal.
Other towns in Donegal include Annagary, Ardara, Ballintra, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Ballyliffin, Ballyshannon, Bridge End, Brinlack, Bunbeg/Derrybeg, Buncrana, Burnfoot, Burtonport, Castlefinn, Carndonagh, Carrick, Carrigans, Carrowkeel, Clonmany, Convoy, Creeslough, Culdaff, Dunfanaghy, Dunglow, Dunkineely, Fahan, Falcarragh, Glencolumbkille, Glenties, Gortahork, Greencastle, Kildrum, Kilcar, Killybegs, Killygordon, Kilmacrennan, Laghy, Loughanure, Manorcunningham, Meenlaragh, Millford, Mountcharles, Moville, Muff, Newtown Cunningham, Pettigo, Raphoe, Saint Johnstown, and Rathmullan.
County Dublin
The city of Dublin is the capital of the Republic and the county contains 28% of its population with nearly 1.2 million residents. As the third smallest on the island, the county area contains the highest population density by far with almost 1300 residents for every km². This is over 20 times the countrywide average.
Dublin is located in the East of the country in the province of Leinster, centred on the River Liffey. The city is arranged into 24 different postcodes with even numbers generally indicating residencies located south of the Liffey and odd numbers indicating the northern locations. The southern postcodes can boast some of the most desirable property locations (with high prices to match) but there are also some equally salubrious addresses in the northern suburbs by the coast, such as Howth and Malahide.
To be technically correct, we should point out that County Dublin has not officially existed since 1994. The correct reference term today is the Dublin Region. This is because Dublin was sub-divided into 4 administrative areas in 1994, somewhat confusingly referred to as the modern counties of South Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal with the most central area now known as Dublin City containing 0.5 million residents alone.
Further confusion is caused when the administrators refer to a larger local government region as the Greater Dublin Area which includes the neighbouring counties of Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow. The popular Dublin suburban towns such as Bray, Greystones, Maynooth, Naas, Leixlip, Clane and Clonee, are not actually in "county" Dublin at all and can be found in the aforementioned bordering counties.
A list of true and historic County Dublin towns would include Balbriggan, Ballyboghil, Donabate, Garristown, Kinsaley, Loughshinny, Lusk, Naul, Oldtown, Portmarnock, Portrane, Rush, Skerries, Swords, Newcastle, Brittas, Glencullen, Rathcoole and Saggart (the home of the Citywest Business Campus and adjoining Golf Resort & Hotel).
County Galway
Galway is located in the west of Ireland within the province of Connacht and contains Ireland's fourth biggest city, Galway City. The county area is the second largest on the island (after Cork) measuring 6,148 km². Most of the large Lough Corrib is in Galway, as are the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. The traditional Irish (or Gaelic) language is still spoken and actively encouraged in many outlying parts of the county.
The City of Galway stands on the River Corrib and it now has a very large student population, the city environs being home to two major universities, the National University of ireland and GMIT. Galway city is reputedly the "safest" city in Ireland returning lower crime statistics than any comparable Irish city. Architecture in the city comprises an eye-catching blend of well-maintained ancient property alongside many very recent but sympathetic newer developments. The quayside follows the trend of the county in general by offering excellent value seafood dishes in its eating houses. Just 10 miles south of the city, the world famous Moran’s Oyster Cottage is an example located near to Clarinbridge at the Weir in Kilcolgan. The county can be accessed easily from Galway Airport which is a mere 6 kilometres to the east of the city.
Outside of Galway city, the main towns are Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Athenry and Clifden. Other Galway towns which are well worth a visit include Ahascragh, Ballygar, Carraroe, Claregalway, Cloonboo, Craughwell, Dunmore, Eyrecourt, Glennamaddy, Gort, Headford, Killimor, Kilronan (on Inishmore Island), Kinvarra, Monivea, Mountbellew Bridge, Moycullen, Moylough, Oranmore, Oughterard, Portumna (with a marina on Lough Derg), Roundstone, Spiddal, Tuam (home of the Saw Doctors musicians) and Woodford.
County Kerry
The county of Kerry is known colloquially as the Kingdom and it is found in the extreme south-west of the island in the province of Munster. Kerry is the fifth largest of Ireland’s counties and it shares boundaries with just Cork and Limerick. It remains as one of Ireland's premier tourist destinations boasting such breath-taking natural attractions as the Lakes of Killarney (within Killarney National Park), the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, and the spectacular Dingle Peninsula.
The tip of the Dingle Peninsula is the most westerly point in both mainland Ireland and Europe. This area was selected as the set location for the award-winning classic film Ryan’s Daughter. Immaculately clean beaches, such as the Inch Strand, beckon visitors along with an often surprisingly mild climate. Visitors can investigate many other surprising attractions such as Valentia Island (accessible by road), Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace and even Charlie Chaplin’s favourite holiday resort of Waterville.
The county town is Tralee, the home of the eternally delightful and unique Rose of Tralee festival. Nearby, Fenit, the port of Tralee, can claim to be the most westerly commercial shipping port in Europe. Other interesting towns within Kerry include Abbeydorney, Anascaul, Ardfert, Ballybunion, Ballyduff, Ballyheigue, Ballylongford, Beaufort, Brosna, Cahirsiveen, Castlegregory, Castleisland, Causeway, Cromane, Glenbeigh
Gneevgullia, Kenmare, Kilgarvan, Killorglin, Knightstown (on Valentia Island), Listowel, Lixnaw, Milltown, Newtownsandes Moyvane, Rathmore, Sneem, Spa, and Tarbert.
County Kildare
Kildare is located in the province of Leinster just west of Dublin, making it an ideal base from which to commute into the capital city. As a result, it is one of the more densely populated rural counties of Ireland with a rapidly growing population now approaching 200,000. The area is well-served for car drivers needing to head out west or into Dublin with both the M4 and M7 motorways passing through the county.
The Curragh horse-racing course, the host track for all five Irish classics is located in County Kildare, as are two other courses Punchestown Racecourse (home of the National Hunt Festival of Ireland) and Naas Racecourse. The county is known for the quality of horses bred in the area at farms such as the Irish National Stud, the Moyglare Stud and Kildagan Stud. Kildare also has famous sporting links with the game of golf. Amongst the numerous high quality golf courses in the county, the cream of the crop is the K Club in Straffan where the 2006 Ryder Cup team challenge was played, closely followed by the PGA National course within the Palmerston House country estate.
The largest town is the county town of Naas with a population of some 25,000. Newbridge, Celbridge and Leixlip are the next largest towns, and all three are set in scenic locations yet the housing areas are just minutes from fast motorway connections. Maynooth remains quaint with its historic educational establishments, the second oldest university in Ireland now called NUIM, and Maynooth College which is the national RC seminary.
Some growing towns lie a little farther afield westwards, like Kilcock, Kildare town, Monasterevin and Athy. Other places to consider in the county of Kildare include Allenwood, Ballymore Eustace, Brownstown Cross Roads, Carragh, Castledermot, Clane, Coil Dubh (Blackwood), Derrinturn, Johnstown, Kilberry, Kilcullen, Kill, Kilmeage, Milltown, Nurney, Prosperous, Rathangan, Rathcoffey, Robertstown, Sallins and Suncroft.
County Kilkenny
Kilkenny is located in the south-east of Ireland in the province of Leinster. It is surrounded by the counties of Tipperary, Laois, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford. The River Suir forms the southern boundary between Kilkenny and Waterford. Another major river, the River Nore, passes through the city of Kilkenny as well as the towns of Ballyragget, Bennettsbridge, Thomastown and Inistioge.
Whilst there are numerous ancient monuments such as Abbeys, Friaries and Castles scattered around the county, the focal point for both visitors and residents is the medieval city of Kilkenny itself. High above the city, perched on a rocky outcrop, is Kilkenny Castle which dates back to Norman times. Other imposing buildings such as the 2 cathedrals, or The Tholsel on the High Street, are evidence of this small city’s importance within Ireland over the centuries. The city retains its historic links with the production of black marble and the brewing of beer.
The city of today has 2 ultra-modern shopping centres discreetly hidden by neighbouring older buildings. One is conveniently located off the High Street, whilst a newer and larger shopping mall, complete with an underground car park, has recently opened tucked in between the old railway station and the ancient city workhouse. This latter development also abuts the Nowlan Park GAA ground where the Kilkenny Cats have perfected the noble Irish sport of hurling to such effect that they are now the most successful team of modern times. And throw in the annual Cat Laughs Comedy Festival which attracts international acts and you have a city offering the perfect blend of history and modern culture in one compact location.
The county’s abundance of attractive towns also includes Callan, Castlecomer, Clogh, Freshford, Goresbridge, Gowran (with its horse-racing course), Graiguenamanagh, Johnstown, Kells, Kilmacow, Kilmoganny, Moneenroe, Mooncoin, Mullinavat, Paulstown, Piltown, Slieverue and Urlingford.
County Laois
County Laois is in the midlands of Ireland forming part of the province of Leinster. In both size and population, Laois features in the smallest ten counties. The county is landlocked and, uniquely amongst Irish counties, it does not border any other counties which have a sea coast. It is therefore considered to be "the most landlocked county in Ireland".
Portlaoise, formerly known as Maryborough, is the county town and two other main towns are Portarlington and Abbeyleix. Our selection of other towns in County Laois includes Ballinakill, Ballyroan, Borris-in-Ossory, Castletown, Clonaslee, Durrow, Emo, Mountmellick, Mountraith, Newtown, Rathdowney and Stradbally.
County Leitrim
Leitrim is located in the north-west of the country within the provine of Connacht. It is the least densely populated county in Ireland with just 7 houses per square kilometre on average. Leitrim is reported to have the fastest-growing county population in Ireland but with just 29,000 residents there is plenty of room for new arrivals. These remarkable statistics are caused by the fact that the Famine years and mass emigrations of the 19th century affected Leitrim to a much greater extent than many other counties. If the current population of Leitrim was multiplied fivefold it still would not equal the 155,000 county dwellers recorded in the 1841 census.
The county landscape is a panorama of unspoilt scenery featuring everything from barren hillsides to spectacular waterways. Leitrim is literally awash with lakes, large and small. Amongst the more famous, some of which feature in classic Irish poetry, are Lough Allen, Lough Gill, Lough Melvin, Lough Garadice, Lough Glenade, Lough Rynn and Lough MacNean. Other notable water features are Glencar Waterfall and the River Shannon. Leitrim even has a coastline in Donegal Bay, but at just 5 kilometres long, sandwiched between the beaches of Sligo and Donegal, the county is not exactly renowned for seaside activities.
The principal towns are Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton. Other settlements of note include Ballinamore, Carrigallen, Dromahair, Drumshanbo, Drumkeeran, Drumsna, Kinlough, Mohill and Roosky.
County Limerick
County Limerick is to be found in the south-west of Ireland within the province of Munster. With a population of 184,000, Limerick is one of Ireland’s more densely populated regions. However, nearly 30% of the county’s residents live in Limerick city which is the Republic’s third largest city. The city stands on the wide River Shannon just before the river discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via a long estuary on the northern county border. There are two important Irish ports in County Limerick, one for smaller vessels on the outskirts of Limerick city, and a second one at Foynes further to the west which can handle large ocean-going ships which cannot navigate the Shannon any farther due to the shallowness of the estuary upstream. The county also relies on the air transport link provided by Shannon Airport in neighbouring County Clare which is only 20 km from the city of Limerick, although the city has its own airstrip a Coonagh.
It must be said that the city’s reputation has been harmed by widespread reporting of violent crimes instigated by local gang feuds in the city suburbs. As anywhere, it is the vast majority of decent law-abiding residents who will suffer most until the intermittent feuding stops or the protagonists are brought to book. This said, a stroll through Limerick city centre’s vibrant shopping streets is always a safe and pleasurable experience.
The eastern fringes of the city straddling the attractive River Shannon forms home to a major Irish university, UL and therefore the city has a large student population. This influx of peace-loving intellectuals somewhat balances the threat of a few under-privileged so-called gangsters in the less prosperous suburban estates. The province’s successes on the European rugby union circuit have helped to unite residents behind a positive cause.
Outside of Limerick City, the county landscape is noticeably made up of flatter terrain than neighbouring counties in Munster. Principal towns of note in Limerick are Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Croom and Pallas Green. Adare is a particularly pretty village, full of original dwellings with thatched roofs, designated as a Heritage Town. Other interesting towns include Annacotty, Ardagh, Askeaton, Athea, Ballingarry, Ballyagran, Ballylanders, Broadford, Bruff, Bruree, Caherconlish, Cappamore, Carrigkerry, Castleconnell, Doon, Galbally, Glin, Hospital, Kilfinnane, Kilmallock, Knocklong, Mountcollins, Mungret, Montpelier, Oola, Pallaskenry, Patrickswell, Rathkeale and Shanagolden.
County Longford
Longford is a county in the midlands of Ireland situated in the north-west of the province of Leinster. It is surrounded by the counties of Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Westmeath. Longford is Ireland’s fourth smallest county by area, and with a population of less than 35,000 it is one of Ireland’s least densely populated counties. In fact, with just 0.5% of the island’s population living in county Longford, only neighbouring Leitrim can claim to have less inhabitants within its boundaries.
Business in Longford is still centred on agricultural pursuits with many farmers rearing cattle and sheep, whilst others focus on traditional crops like oats and potatoes. Most of Longford is low-lying pasture and raised bogland in the basin of the River Shannon, which forms its western boundary with Roscommon, much of it in the form of the large lake, Lough Ree. Heavy rainfall in the midlands in recent years has led to the Shannon bursting its banks and repeatedly flooding adjacent fields, with Longford’s farming community suffering particular hardship.
The county’s main town is Longford town with a population of around 13,000, i.e. about a third of the county’s residents. The town is the second largest on the N4 national primary route linking Dublin to Sligo, and it is also the starting point of the N5 primary road which terminates at Westport in County Mayo, so there is always a steady flow of motorists forming a passing trade for businesses in the town. With a distance of 75 miles from Dublin and improved rail, motorway and dual carriageway links, Longford is now on the fringes of the Dublin commuter belt.
Other towns in County Longford include Ballymahon, Drumlish, Granard, Keenagh, Edgeworthstown (Meathas Troim) and Newtown Forbes.
County Louth
Louth is located just south of the border from Northern Ireland on the east coast of the country. It is the smallest county in Ireland with an area of just 820 square kilometres, but with a population of 111,000 it is actually Ireland’s fourth most populated county despite having no cities within the county.
However, the county’s two main towns of Dundalk and Drogheda are classified as Ireland’s second and third largest towns. Dundalk lies just 5km from the now invisible border with Northern Ireland, part of the UK, and is situated where the Castletown River enters Dundalk Bay. With a population of around 30,000 it is officially the largest town located entirely within Louth.
There is some argument as to the correctness of this statement because Drogheda’s population is growing faster than Dundalk’s, and repeated recent county boundary changes make the former’s current claim to superiority hard to defend. Drogheda is centred on the River Boyne which used to be the boundary between Louth and Meath, thereby splitting the administration of a growing town. Southern areas of the town centre have been transferred to Louth’s sole control quite recently. If some Drogheda suburbs which still lie within neighbouring County Meath are included in the statistical debate, then Drogheda is clearly the more popular residency of recent years. This has happened due to the completion of the M1 motorway within the Republic which will eventually link Dublin and Belfast. High speed rail and road links to Dublin, just 35 miles away, make Drogheda an ideal commuter town for those preferring to live outside of the city.
If you enter Louth from the south via the spectacular River Boyne cable-stayed bridge on the M1, you will then be able to explore the county’s other towns which include Ardee, Baltray, Carlingford (on the banks of the scenic Carlingford Lough inlet), Castlebellingham, Kilsaran, Clogherhead, Collon, Dromiskin, Dunleer, Jenkinstown, Knockbridge, Louth, Omeath (again by Carlingford Lough), Tallanstown, Termonfeckin, Tinure Cross Roads and Tullyallen.
County Mayo
Mayo is the third largest county in Ireland (after Cork and Galway) and it is located in the very west of the country within the province of Connacht. Despite its large size in area, and a healthy population of 124,000 residents, the county is actually the second least densely populated county on the island. Whilst some areas are fairly remote, a large portion of the county is now easily accessible by road, rail or air (via Ireland West’s international airport at Knock, located near to Ireland’s foremost Christian shrine). This, plus the fact that Mayo is one of the most scenic counties in Ireland, makes the locality an attractive proposition for a truly Irish rural home. However, the county’s administrators are keen to limit over-development, so planning permissions for new houses follows strictly controlled procedures.
The largest towns are Castlebar and Ballina with about 10,000 residents apiece. Castlebar is the administrative headquarters for the county straddling the N5 primary route westwards, whilst Ballina is situated on the River Moy and is renowned for attracting salmon fishermen from around the globe. Westport is a very popular tourist town of around 5,000 permanent dwellers living next to Clew Bay and overlooked by the religiously sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick. Another popular destination is the scenery of Achill Island which can be accessed by car via Achill Sound Bridge. Conversely, Clare Island can only be reached by regular small ferries for foot passengers which depart from Roonah Quay near to the town of Louisburgh. The village of Cong in the south of County Mayo was used as the backdrop for the film The Quiet Man featuring John Wayne, as were the magnificent grounds of the imposing Ashford Castle right next door to Cong.
Other towns not to be overlooked include Balla, Ballindine, Ballinrobe, Ballycastle, Ballyhaunis, Bangor Erris, Belmullet, Charlestown-Bellahy, Claremorris, Crossmolina, Foxford, Keel-Dooagh (on Achill Island), Killala (with views of Killala Bay), Kilkelly, Kilmaine, Kiltimagh, Newport, Shrule and Swinford.
County Meath
Meath is located on the eastern side of Ireland to the northwest of Dublin and within the province of Leinster. Its close proximity to Dublin has made the county one of the premier commuter locations resulting in Meath’s population expanding rapidly to over 160,000 in the last census. This quick-fire development has shot this once primarily agricultural county into the top ten of Ireland’s most densely populated areas. The county town of Navan alone has increased its population by 28% over the years 2002 to 2006, and with over 25,000 people now residing there, it is the Republic’s fifth largest town. Despite this, Meath is a moderately large county and it has managed to retain its traditional landscape of lush green fields and rolling hills for the most part.
County Meath is often informally referred to as the Royal County, indicating its centuries-old links to ancient Irish tribal kings and invading monarchs. Navan is located close to the Hill of Tara, an archaeological site said to be the seat of the High King of Ireland in ancient times. Trim, the former county town, boasts being the home of Ireland’s largest Norman castle as well as being the site of parliaments of that era. The town of Kells is famous for its ancient monastery, as well as being the scene of many battles between Anglo, Irish and Norman armies. Meath is also home to Newgrange, an amazing prehistoric complex of such importance that it has been designated as a World Heritage Site. At the other end of the historical spectrum, we should not forget to mention Slane (near to which the Battle of the Boyne was fought) and its castle which now hosts modern-day rock concerts.
Other larger towns close to Dublin are Ashbourne, Dunboyne, Clonee and Dunshaughlin, but a list of Meath’s towns also includes Athboy, Ballivor, Clonard, Donore, Drumcondra, Duleek, Enfield, Gormanston, Julianstown, Kentstown, Kildalkey, Kilmainham Wood, Kilmessan, Laytown, Bettystown, Mornington, Longwood, Nobber, Oldcastle, Rathmoylon, Ratoath, Stamullen and Summerhill.
County Monaghan
Monaghan is located in the north of the Republic sandwiched between 3 counties located in Northern Ireland and 3 fellow counties of the ROI. It forms a part of the historical province of Ulster along with Cavan, Donegal and the six counties of northern Ireland. The name of Monaghan comes from the Irish language, derived from Muine Cheain meaning the Land of the Little Hills. This name refers to the high occurrence of drumlins in the area, which are small hills formed from glacial action during the previous ice ages.
A curiosity of County Monaghan is the presence of a feature called a pene-enclave jutting into neighbouring County Fermanagh in the west of the county. This is an area of land belonging to Monaghan which cannot be accessed without passing through Fermanagh on either side of it.
Monaghan is the sixth smallest county in Ireland but it has a respectable population count of 56,000 (and growing) demonstrating the area’s popularity as a home base. The county’s scenic landscape can boast more than its fair share of mountains, forests, rivers and a large number of lakes.
Unsurprisingly the principal town of the county is Monaghan town. Two other strategically important towns are Castleblayney and Carrickmacross. Other locations which could be considered when exploring the county include Bellanode, Ballybay, Clones, Emyvale, Iniskeen, Glaslough, Newbliss, Rockcorry, Scotstown and Smithborough.
County Offaly
Offaly is located in the midlands and is a county within the province of Leinster. It is bordered by seven other counties namely Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, Laois, and Tipperary. The present county was shired in 1556 by Mary I of England during one of the Plantations of Ireland, and at that time was called King's County after King Philip II of Spain. The county town of this era was Philipstown (now re-named as Daingean) until the nineteenth century. The county town today is Tullamore. However, the former county name of "King's County" is still in partial use to this day and will be seen in the title deeds to a property when they are transferred from a buyer to a seller.
The north-western area of the county is a floodplain of the River Shannon, whilst a large part of southern Offaly is covered by the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The county also contains the numerous large bogs, of which the Bog of Allen and Boora Bog are the most notable. The county area measures at 1,999 km² and the population is 71,000. Some towns in the east of Offaly have experienced rapid growth in recent years due to their proximity to the Republic’s capital city of Dublin via an improved road network. For example, Edenderry and Portarlington (which is technically half in Laois as well as Offaly) have seen population increases of over 50% between the years 2002 and 2006.
Other towns of note within County Offaly include Ballycumber, Banagher, Bellmount, Birr, Bracknagh, Clara, Cloghan, Clonbulloge, Coolagary, Ferbane, Geashill, Kilcormac, Killeigh, Kinnitty, Moneygall, Rhode, Shannonbridge and Shinrone.
County Roscommon
County Roscommon is located in the centre west of Ireland within the province of Connacht. Uniquely, it is the only Connacht county which does not have a coastline. Roscommon can boast that its residents can statistically look forward to the longest life expectancy of any county in Ireland. Lough Key in north Roscommon is noted for having 32 separate islands, matching the traditional number of counties in Ireland upon which our Area Guide is based.
Roscommon is Ireland’s third least densely populated county with less than 60,000 residents. Naturally, Roscommon town is the county town, and elsewhere only Boyle could be described as a sizeable town within the county boundaries. Roscommon can lay claim to part of the neighbouring large town of Athlone (often referred to as Ireland’s most central town) but overall Athlone is designated as a County Westmeath town due to more of the town centre falling within Westmeath’s border. Strokestown can boast of having one of the widest and most stylish streets in Ireland, leading to Strokestown Park House, a sprawling and impressive 18th century mansion.
Other distinguished towns in Roscommon include Ballaghaderreen, Ballinlough, Ballyfarnan, Castlerea, Elphin, Frenchpark, Keadew, Lanesborough (Ballyleague), Loughglinn and Roosky.
County Sligo
Sligo is located in the north west of the country in the province of Connacht. The county shares boundaries with Leitrim, Roscommon and Mayo. County Sligo has a population of 61,000 with around 18,000 living within the confines of the main town of the region, Sligo town. This attractive town has recently been totally revamped and sympathetically modernised where necessary. There are two large new shopping centres called Quayside and Johnston’s Court and many luxurious recently-opened hotels. Sligo town is also home to the Sligo Institute of Technology.
The area now has good road and rail links, and Sligo Airport is just 5 miles from the main town in nearby Strandhill. Sligo has always had a powerful voice via local journalism with the Sligo Champion newspaper, founded in 1836, still going strong. This publication now vies for attention alongside the Sligo Post and the Sligo Weekender.
Enniscrone (or official spelling Inishcrone) is a popular west coast seaside resort in Killala Bay. It proudly boasts 3km of unspoilt Blue Flag category beach, 2 surfing schools and challenging waves to suit, and for the health-conscious, traditional Seaweed Baths. The Ox Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to this coastline.
The county has had its share of turbulent historic conflicts. The locals can regale you with tales of invasions, uprisings and even glorious defeats after Sligo men have stood and fought to protect their lands through centuries of general hardship. Some of these stories were converted into traditional Irish jigs, reels and airs which are still proudly played by the county’s talented musicians. Towns such as Tubbercurry, Tourlestrane and Gurteen all have popular pubs where traditional music and dance is perfected on at least a weekly basis. Tubbercurry, Sligo’s second largest town, also has a tradition for the theatrical arts and recent successes have included their own feature length action film, an original musical production which has toured overseas and regular stage plays.
Other places steeped in local history in Sligo and always worth further investigation include Ballisadare, Ballymote, Charlestown-Bellahy (on the Mayo border), Cliffony, Collooney, Coolaney, Curry, Easky, Grange, Mullaghmore, Riverstown and Rosses Point (within Sligo town’s natural harbour).
County Tipperary
Tipperary is a large county located in the south of the island forming part of the province of Munster. The county is always referred to as a single entity when the traditional 32 counties of Ireland are listed, but for over 100 years Tipperary has been split into 2 distinct areas formerly called Ridings for various administration functions. These localities are known as North Tipperary and South Tipperary.
The combined county area of 4,303 km² makes Tipperary the sixth largest county in Ireland. The county’s population total has remained notably static at 149,000 during the recent Celtic Tiger economic boom years. South Tipperary is slightly more densely populated than its northern associate being home to about 56% of the combined county’s residents.
In the Middle Ages, the attractive town of Cashel (current population 11,400) was considered to be the county town of the entire Tipperary region. Although this honour has since moved elsewhere, Cashel has become the county’s top tourist attraction with visitors mainly wanting to see and explore the famous Rock of Cashel which is the spectacular sight of a ruined church and large fort perched upon a limestone rock outcrop high above the town.
Clonmel became the next official county town of Tipperary. It is famous for temporarily repelling the invading British forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1650 after many other Irish towns had been brutally overrun. Today, with a population of over 15,000, the town is still the county seat of South Tipperary. The administrative capital of North Tipperary is the small town of Nenagh which boasts a castle and ruined Franciscan abbey amongst its attractions, although Thurles is slightly larger in population terms at around 8,000. Many people think Tipperary town must have featured as a county seat at some stage, but this has never been the case. Ancient castles and fortifications feature all over this scenic county with Cahir and its castle being another fine example.
The River Suir flows through Tipperary and large parts of the county form fertile agricultural land known as the Golden Vale of Munster. The county is also home to the largest thoroughbred horse breeding centre in the world at Coolmore Stud.
Other towns worth further consideration are Ballina, Borrisoleigh, Borrisokane, Cloughjordan, Holycross, Littleton, Newport, Portroe, Puckaun, Roscrea, Silvermines, Templemore, Templetuohy, Toomevara, Twomileborris, Ardfinnan, Ballingarry, Ballyclerahan, Ballyporeen, Bansha, Cappagh White, Carrick-on-Suir (with parts in neighbouring Waterford & Kilkenny), Clogheen, Dundrum, Emly, Fethard, Golden, Gortnahoo, Killenaule, Kilsheelan, Mullinahone and Newcastle.
County Waterford
Waterford is located in the south of the country and is the smallest county within the province of Munster. However, the recent building boom has enabled the county to increase its population to around 110,000 although more than 40% of these residents live in Waterford city which is the fifth biggest city in the Republic. The city administers its own local government whilst the town of Dungarvan is the administrative centre for the remainder of the county.
The Republic’s third longest river, the River Suir flows alongside Waterford city and forms a county boundary with neighbouring Kilkenny and Wexford to the north and west. The county also borders on to Tipperary and Cork. There are over 30 beaches to explore in Waterford along its shoreline with the Celtic Sea, the largest being at the quaint seaside town of Tramore (which literally means "big strand" in Irish) located 13km from the city. Waterford Airport which lies between the city and Tramore is expanding its services year on year.
Waterford city has always been a busy and congested settlement due to its location as the only coastal crossing point of the wide River Suir for travellers over the centuries moving between the Republic’s two largest cities of Dublin and Cork. A town centre bridge crossing (first erected in 1796) replaced 2 previous small ferries across the river. This bridge has been upgraded twice in the last century, but the increasing volume and size of vehicles needing to cross the River Suir in modern times has led the Republic to invest in the building of a magnificent new 4-lane wide cable-stayed bridge a few kilometres upstream as part of the N25 Waterford Bypass (currently under construction). This structure is classed as the longest bridge in Ireland with a span of 475 metres.
Outside of the environs of Waterford City, the county’s other notable towns are Dunmore East, Aglish, Ardmore, Cappoquin, Cheekpoint, Clashmore, Kill, Kilmacthomas, Lemybrien, Lismore, Passage East, Portlaw, Stradbally, Tallow and Villierstown.
County Westmeath
Westmeath is a county in the Irish midlands located within the western part of the province of Leinster. The county’s lands once formed part the ancient province of Meath, and later county Meath, but the two modern counties have now been separated for several centuries. Westmeath is about four-fifths the size of Meath in area, but has less than half the population of its neighbour. This is mainly due to Meath’s more rapid expansion as a closer commuter county for Dublin workers, but Westmeath also has a good share of commuters thanks to the extension of the M4 motorway then a good dual carriageway out as far as Mullingar some 50 miles from the capital city. Mullingar also has good rail links to both the east and west coasts of Ireland. With a town population of just under 10,000, Mullingar acts as the administrative centre for Westmeath’s affairs
Westmeath is sometimes referred to as the Lakes County due to the propensity of large expanses of water within its boundaries, such as Lough Owel and Lough Ennel which are favourite destinations for Irish anglers. Athlone is another important Westmeath town with an urban population of around 7,000, although expanding suburbs make the town seem much larger. Athlone is located on a crossing of the River Shannon at the south of Lough Ree with some parts of the town technically in County Roscommon, next door. The town attracts many visitors due to its central location within the country; historians can admire the castle and abbey, whilst others appreciate the modern shopping centres, theatres or the marinas on the Shannon.
Other towns of distinction in Westmeath include Ballymore, Ballynacarrigy, Castlepollard, Clonmellon, Collinstown, Delvin, Glassan, Kilbeggan, Killucan-Rathwire, Kinnegad, Moate, Multyfarnham, Raharney, Rochfortbridge and Tyrrellspass.
County Wexford
Wexford is a coastal county in the south-east of Ireland lying within the province of Leinster. It shares boundaries with Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford. The River Barrow forms a natural border to the west of the county, whilst the southern part of the coast overlooks the Celtic Sea. The slightly longer eastern coast looks out on to St George’s Channel, part of the Irish Sea. The Blackstairs Mountains or southern Wicklow Mountains cover most of the northern county boundary.
Wexford is often called "the sunny south east of Ireland" because of its statistically proven longer number of sunshine hours than anywhere else in Ireland. This helps to make it a popular weekend destination for people living in Dublin about 2 hours away by car. The population of the county is 132,000, of which one third live in urban locations and the remaining two thirds in rural homes.
The main settlement is historic Wexford town which has a large natural harbour. Its strategic location and turbulent past has made Wexford town the scene of many infamous and bloody battles in years gone by. One of the most outrageous acts of warfare occurred in 1649 when the local settlers were slaughtered while considering the terms of surrender to English Parliamentarian forces under the command of Oliver Cromwell.
The second largest town in Wexford is Enniscorthy located 14 miles north of Wexford town on the River Slaney. Enniscorthy castle is an imposing Norman stronghold dating from 1205. Just to the south of Wexford town is the town of Rosslare and its nearby harbour or Europort which handles freight as well as car and foot passengers on ferry routes into Wales and France.
The next largest towns in Wexford are New Ross, Gorey and Bunclody. Other notable towns include Adamstown, Ballycanew, Ballycullane, Ballyhack, Bridgetown, Camolin, Campile, Castlebridge, Castlellis, Clongeen, Clonroche, Coolgreany, Courtown Harbour, Duncannon, Ferns, Fethard, Kilmore Quay, Kilrane, Murntown, Newbawn, Oilgate, Piercetown, and Taghmon.
County Wicklow
County Wicklow is a county on the east coast of Ireland, situated immediately south of Dublin, and located within the province of Leinster. The county is bordered by the Irish Sea to the east and by the counties of Carlow and Kildare to the west. County Wexford forms the southern boundary, and the northern border is now made up of two parts of what was County Dublin (Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County and South Dublin County). Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland, more because of its fine scenery rather than its agricultural produce. It was also the last of the conventional 32 counties to be formed, its lands having previously been divided between Carlow and Dublin.
The population of the county at the 2006 census was 126,194 making Wicklow the seventh most densely populated county in Ireland. This statistic is greatly influenced by the number of Dublin workers who choose to commute from homes in this appealing county. The county seat is Wicklow town with a population of 10,000 although the largest urban centre is Bray (pop. 31,901), on the northern limits of the county and effectively a Dublin suburb.
The Wicklow Mountains which cover much of the county are the largest range of uplands in Ireland. Lugnaquilla is the highest peak of the range and the highest mountain in Leinster at just over 3,000 feet (the minimum height for high ground to qualify as a mountain), but at just 13th in the list of Irish mountains one gets the impression that the Wicklow Mountains are ideal for ramblers rather than all-out mountaineers. This expansive hilly terrain is sparsely populated meaning that the larger Wicklow towns scattered down the East coast make up a consistently dense but desirable residential region on the edge of one of Ireland’s National Parks.
Two other large towns on the coast are Greystones (which as its name suggests has a rocky shoreline as well as good beaches) and Arklow situated on the River Avoca. Other towns of interest include Ashford, Aughrim, Avoca, Baltinglass, Blessington (with its spectacular lake drive) , Carnew, Donard, Dunlavin, Enniskerry, Glenealy, Kilcoole, Kilmacanoge, Kilpedder, Laragh, Newcastle, Newtown Mount Kennedy, Rathdrum, Rathnew, Roundwood, Shillelagh, Stratford and Tinahely.
Author – Susan Salkeld (Owner of www.Propertysteps.ie)
By Susan Salkeld
