Updated on:October 29, 2025
by
Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
You probably know that Ireland’s village, town, and county names derive from Irish or Gaelic origin, but did you know that these places’ names are shrouded in Celtic mythology, ancient geography, and so much more?
The county names that we use today are Anglicised versions of traditional Irish place names. That means each county has an English translation that tells us more about what it used to look like or, even more interestingly, who lived there.
This article will discuss the etymology of the 32 counties on the island of Ireland. Before we start explaining the name of each county, it is essential to understand how the Emerald Isle is divided. There are 4 provinces in Ireland: Ulster in the North, Leinster in the East, Munster in the South and Connacht in the West.
Why not skip ahead to a specific section in our article:
- The Four Provinces of Ireland
- Ulster County names meaning
- Leinster County names meaning
- Munster County names meaning
- Connacht County names meaning
There are 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland and 6 in Northern Ireland. Ulster contains the 6 counties in Northern Ireland (illustrated in light green below) and 3 of the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland.
Table of Contents
Etymology of the Four Provinces of Ireland
- Connacht / Connaught: Connacht is the English derivation of Connachta (descendants of Conn) and later Cúige Chonnact (Province of Connacht). Cúige means a ‘fifth’. Initially, there were five provinces in Ireland, including the four we use today and a fifth province called Meath. Connacht derives from the dynasty of Conn, a mythical king of the Hundred Battles.
- Ulster: Ulster is known as Ulaidh or Cúige Uladh. Its name derives from the Ulaidh, a tribe that occupied northern Ireland. The Norse is also known as Ulazitr. Tír is the Irish word for ‘land,’ meaning the land of the Ulaid.
- Leinster: Leinster, also known as Laighin or Cúige Laighean, has a similar origin in terms of its name to Ulster. Leinster derives from two words: Laigin, the principal tribe who occupied that part of Ireland and tír, directly translating to land of the Laigin tribe. The province once comprised the ancient kingdoms of Meath, Leinster and Osraige (modern-day county Kilkenny and west Laois)
- Munster: Munster, a Mhuhain or Cúige Mumhan, is the southernmost province of Ireland. Mumhan means the tribe or land of Mumha.
Ulster
6 of the 9 counties of Ulster are part of Northern Ireland. They are listed below.
County Antrim – Aontroim
Our list of county names begins with the county home to the Giants Causeway, known as Antrim or Aontroim in Irish. Aontroim means ‘lone ridge’ in English.
Further speculating on the origin of this name, we could compare the lone ridge to the Antrim Plateau. The Antrim Plateau is part of a broad band of basalt that stretches across Co. Antrim. In geographical terms, a ridge is a chain of raised hills or mountains, so Antrim’s name may have derived from the Plateau.
Things to do in Antrim: Why not visit the Giants Causeway, one of Ireland’s most famous locations? Or explore Ireland’s world-renowned Titanic museum when you’re in Belfast City.
Armagh – Ard Mhaca
Ard Mhaca means Macha’s height. Macha is an Irish Celtic Goddess associated with Ulster and Armagh.
Macha was a prominent member of Ireland’s most ancient supernatural race, the Tuatha de Danann. She was a fascinating Goddess of war, sovereignty, land, and nourishment. Alongside the Morrigan and the Badb, Macha was one of the goddess three — sisters and Goddesses of war. Macha could transform into animals like her sister, the Morrigan, who would fly over battles as a crow.
The most famous story about Macha involves her transforming into a horse and winning a horse race. She was pregnant at the time and gave birth to twins.
Did you know? Armagh is known as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland because Saint Patrick built his first church there. Due to his contributions, it would become the religious centre of Catholic Ireland.
Visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh and enjoy the serenity while appreciating the stained glass windows and mosaics.
Derry / Londonderry – Doire
Doire means ‘Oak Wood’ and is believed to have originated from Daire Coluimb Chille, which translates to ‘the Oak-wood of Calgach’. Calgah may have been Calgacus, the first Caledonian recorded in history.
1613 Derry town was rebuilt across the River Foyle from its previous site. At this time, the prefix ‘London’ was added as livery companies in the City of London donated money to the English and Scottish settlers who colonised the site.
At this time, the County of Derry / Londonderry was also formed. Where the county now stands was previously the territory of County Coleraine, which derives from Cúil Raithin, meaning ‘Nook of the Ferns’. Coleraine is still the name of a town in the county.
Things to do in Derry / Londonderry: Explore the Derry City Walls. Derry / Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland, and its 17th-century construction is a fine example of a walled city in Europe.
Down – An Dún
Dún is derived from Dún ná Lethglas, the capital of Dál Fiatach, now modern-day Downpatrick. The Dál Fiatach was the name of a tribe and the location they occupied in Ireland. It was part of the Ulaid, a region now part of modern-day Antrim, Down, and Armagh.
The Dál Fiatach were a tribe that existed primarily during the Ulster Cycle. Irish Mythology is divided into four cycles: the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian Cycle, and the Kings Cycle. The Ulster Cycle focuses on stories of battles and warriors and includes famous tales such as the Cattle Raid of Cooley and Deirdre of the Sorrows. You can learn more about the Ulster Cycle by reading our article on the Irish mythological cycles.
Things to do in Down: Relax at the seaside town of Bangor.
Fermanagh – Fear Manach
The literal translation of Fear Manach is ‘The Men of Manach’. Manach is thought to be a derivative of the old Irish saying Magh Eanagh or ‘country of the lakes’.
Lough Erne is comprised of two interconnected lakes in Fermanagh. The Lower Lough Erne is Fermanagh’s largest lake and Ireland’s fourth-largest lake.
Boa Island is located on the north coast of Lower Lough Erne. It derives from Badbh, another Celtic goddess and one of the three war goddesses of the Tuatha de Danann.
Two enigmatic stone figures, dating back to pagan times, are found in the island’s graveyard. They have been named Janus and the Lustymore Island figures.
Things to do in Fermanagh: Visit the Marble Arch Caves, a UNESCO Global Geopark
Tyrone – Tír Eoghain
The literal meaning of Tír Eoghain is ‘the land of Eoghan’.
Eoghan is believed to be King Eoghan Mac Néill. The surname ‘Mac Néill’ means son of Niall. Surnames in Irish were traditionally patronymic, based on the given name of a previous male ancestor. King Eoghan was the son of King Niall of the nine hostages.
Eógan founded the Kingdom of Ailech, which eventually became Tyrone.
Things to do in Tyrone: Visit the Ulster American Folk Park
The 3 counties of Ulster that are part of the Republic of Ireland are listed below.
Cavan – An Cabhán
In English, a Cabhán means ‘the hollow. ‘ A hollow is a small sheltered valley usually containing water.
Things to do in Cavan: A relaxing 6km walk in Ballyconnell’s Canal loop.
Donegal – Dún na nGall
Dún na nGall translates to the ‘stronghold of the foreigners/strangers’. The ‘foreigners’ mentioned are thought to be the Vikings.
Another name for the county in Irish is Tyrconnell or Tirconnell, a Gaelic territory which means the ‘land of Conall’. Conall is an Irish name and means ‘strong wolf’.
The Conall in question is Conall Gulban, another son of Niall of the Nine Hostages.
Things to do in Donegal: Visit Malin Head, the northernmost point on mainland Ireland.
Monaghan – Muineachán
Muineachán is composed of a few Irish words. First, muine means ‘brake’ or ‘hillock’, a thickly overgrown area of small hills. The second word is acháin, meaning ‘field’.
So, considering these meanings, Muineachán means hilly or bushy field. Of course, nowadays, most forests in Ireland are long gone as our ancestors cleared the way for farms, towns and industrial buildings. However, considering the dense forests that once occupied 80% of the country is still interesting.
Things to do in Monaghan: Visit Rossmore Forest Park
Leinster
Carlow – Ceatharlach
Ceatharlach translates to ‘place of cattle’. Fittingly, today, Carlow is a rich agricultural county with land suitable for farming animals, tillage, and producing quality crops.
Things to do in Carlow: Enjoy the view from the top of the Blackstairs Mountain
Dublin – mBaile Átha Cliath / Duibhlinn
Duibhlinn means ‘black pool’, while mobile Átha Cliath, the primary Irish name of the county and capital city of Ireland, means ‘town of the hurdled Ford’.
A ford is a shallow place in a river or stream where one can walk across. The City of Dublin is over 1,000 years old. Originally, Vikings enclosed the town with wooden stakes (eventually replaced with stone walls), so the name is very fitting.
A large pool used to exist at the junction of the River Liffey and the River Poddle. Due to peat staining, the pool appeared dark, and it is believed that this is why the Vikings gave it the name it still uses today.
Things to do in Dublin: Tour the Guinness factory and enjoy a pint from the Skyline Bar.
Kildare – Cill Dara
Cill Dara translates to the ‘church of the oak’. Saint Brigid, Ireland’s patron saint, who features in Irish mythology and is sometimes thought to be a version of the pagan Goddess Brigit, was from Kildare.
Things to do in Kildare: Visit St. Brigid’s Cathedral or discover the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Center & Museum of Style Icons
Kilkenny – Cill Chainnigh
Cill Chainnigh, or the church of Cainneach, is named after Saint Cainneach, believed to have converted the county of Kilkenny to Christianity. He was one of the twelve apostles of Ireland.
Pictured below is St. Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny
Things to do in Kilkenny: Visit the Medieval Mile Museum.
Laois
Laois derives from the Gaelic territory of Uí Laoighis or the ‘people of Lugaid Laígne’. Lugaid is a name which derives from the Celtic God Lugh.
Laois was initially called ‘Queen’s County’ after Queen Mary, who created it in 1556. It was given its current name after the creation of the Irish Free State.
Things to do in Laois: Visit the Rock of Dunamase
Longford – An Longfort
‘A Longfort’ translates to ‘the port’. The name was derived from Irish chroniclers who described a Viking ship enclosure or fortress.
Historically, Longford was part of the ancient Meath kingdom and province. It was split off from Co. Westmeath in 1586.
Louth – Lú
Lú is a modern version of the name Lugh. Lugh Lamhfhada (Lugh of the Longarm, a nod to his fondness of spear throwing) was another Celtic deity and the Tuatha de Dannan champion king.
Lugh possessed one of the four treasures of the Tuatha de Danann, aptly called ‘Lugh’s Spear’, one of his many magical weapons.
An interesting fact is that Lúnasa, or in old Irish Lughnasadh, is the Gaelic word for August. This highlights the reverence with which Lugh is treated within Irish mythology.
Things to do in Longford: Center Parcs Forest Longford
Meath – an Mhí
An Mhí means ‘the middle’ in Irish
Called initially East Meath, Meath would become the common name of the county, possibly because the Hill of Tara was located in this area. The Hill of Tara was the home of the High King of Ireland.
Meath was once its province and Ireland’s high kings lived on the Hill of Tara. This ancient version of Meath occupied modern-day Meath, Westmeath, and Longford. It was formally divided into Meath and Westmeath in 1542.
The middle is a fitting name for Meath, the ancient kingdom in the centre of Ireland.
Newgrange in the Boyne Valley is another ancient location of importance found in Co. Meath. On 21 December (also known as the winter solstice or the shortest day of the year,) light passes through the entrance of the burial mound and illuminates the inside. New Grange is an ancient architectural marvel built hundreds of years before the Great Pyramids of Giza. The ability to illuminate the building during the solstice highlights how skilled the ancient Irish were. They had to understand engineering, maths, and astronomy and have a seasonal calendar to construct the light feature in the mound.
Things to do in Meath: Enjoy the thrilling rollercoaster at Tayto Park, or venture back to the Hill of Tara, the location of Ireland’s ancient high kings.
Offaly – Uíbh Fhailí
Uíbh Fhailí derives from the Gaelic territory and kingdom of Uí Failghe. Uí Failghe existed from the 6th century until the last king’s death, Brian mac Cathaoir O Conchobhair Failghe, in 1556.
Uí Failghe was divided into Queen’s County, now modern-day Laois, and King’s County, modern-day Offaly. After the creation of the Irish free state, the two counties were renamed into the names we use today, and in Offaly’s case, the name of the ancient kingdom was preserved.
Things to do in Offaly: Visit the Clonmacnoise monastery, cruise down the Shannon River, or enjoy the festivities during the Tullamore show if you’re in Offaly in August.
Westmeath – An Iarmhí
It means ‘west middle’ in Irish. It shares a story similar to County Meath’s in origin.
Take a Viking tour down the River Shannon in Westmeath or visit Athlone castle.
Wexford – Loch Garman
Loch Garman translates to the ‘lake of Garman’. Garman Garbh was a legendary character drowned by an enchantress in the mudflats at the mouth of the river Slaney, creating the lake itself.
Wexford has Norse origins and means ‘fjord of the mud flats’.
Things to do in Wexford: Visit Hook’s Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the world!
Wicklow – Cill Mhantáin
Cill Mhantáin means the ‘church of Mantan’. Mantan was a fellow peer of saint Patrick, his name means ‘toothless one’ as the legend goes that his teeth were knocked out by pagans.
Wicklow itself is another Norse term that means ‘meadow of the Vikings.’
Things to do in Wicklow: Climb the Wicklow Mountains, Visit Glendalough or relax at Bray.
Munster
Clare – An Clár
The literal translation of Clár is ‘plain’. Clare may also have Latin roots in the word ‘clear’.
Before Clare was established as a County, the region was called County Thomond, or a Tuamhain in Irish, which derived from Tuadhmhumhain, meaning North Munster.
Things to do in Clare: Visit the seaside town of Kilkee, explore the Burren and bask in the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.
Cork – Corcaigh
Corcaigh is derived from the word Corcach, which means ‘swamp’ in Irish.
Things to do in Cork: Kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of the gab.
Kerry – Ciarraí
Home of Ireland’s tallest mountain, Carrauntoohill, Ciarraí derives from two words, Ciar and Raighe, meaning ‘People of Ciar’. Ciar mac Fergus was the son of Fergus mac Róich, the ex-King of Ulster, and Queen Meabh of Connacht, significant characters in Irish folklore and the Ulster cycle.
Things to do in Kerry: Hike Carauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland; visit Skellig Michael, a real-life Star Wars location and ancient island; or attend Ireland’s oldest festival, the Puck Fair.
Limerick – Luimneach
Luimneach means ‘bare spot’, the Vikings and their meaning, which was the ‘mighty noise’.
In Limerick, Visit King John’s Castle, one of Europe’s best-preserved 13th-century Norman castles.
Tipperary – Tiobraid Árann
Tiobraid Árann means ‘well of the Arra’. The Arra mountains are found in Tipperary.
Things to do in Tipperary: Climb the Devils Loop or Galtee Mountains
Waterford – Port Láirge
Port Láirge means ‘Larag’s Port’.
Things to do in Waterford: Visit Waterford City, Ireland’s oldest city, founded by the Vikings over 1000 years ago.
Connacht
Galway – Gaillimh
Gaillimh was named after the river Gaillimh and means Stoney in English. Galway was previously known as Dún Bhun na Gaillimhe, which means ‘stronghold at the mouth of the Gaillimh.’
Things to do in Galway: Visit Salthill, or if you’re in the City in July, enjoy the Arts Festival and Galway Races
Leitrim – Liath Drum
Liath Drum means ‘grey ridge’.
Historically, Leitrim was part of the Breifne Kingdom, ruled by the Ó Ruairc family. The county is named after the town of Leitrim along the Shannon.
Historically, towns were built along rivers, essential strongholds against intruders. The river provided food, transport and protection for ancient dwellers, and over time, these strongholds became prosperous towns and cities.
Things to do in Leitrim: Visit Fowley’s Falls, Rossinver
Mayo – Maigh Eo
Maigh Eo means ‘plain of the yew’ which is a plain of yew trees.
Things to do in Mayo: Climb Croagh Patrick in Westport
Roscommon – Ros Comáin
Ros Comáin translates to Cóman’s wood in English. Cóman refers to Saint Cóman, who founded the monastery of Roscommon around 550.
The feast day of Saint Cóman is December 26th.
Things to do in Roscommon: Visit Lough Key Forest Parkour Bay Sports, Ireland’s largest Inflatable Waterpark
Sligo – Sligeach
‘Shelly Place’ or Sligeach got its name from the large amount of Shellfish found in the River Garavogue or the Sligeach River.
Things to do in Sligo: Visit Lissadell House, home of Countess Markievicz and holiday retreat of brothers poet/writer William and artist Jack Butler Yeats
Have you enjoyed learning about the origin of Irish placenames? Which do you think is the most interesting? Let us know in the comments below!
Why not browse some of our other articles about Ireland, such as:
The 20 Best Things to do in County Galway | 8 Things to do in Downings Donegal | The Giants Causeway | The most Unique Places to stay in Ireland
