The Four Fifths - Ireland's Provinces

Historically, Ireland has been divided into different provinces. Though today these provinces are seen mostly within a sporting view (the four professional rugby teams in Ireland play under the four provincial names), they originally were territories each ruled by a King who ruled over other kings in the province. And as you would expect, in the old days the borders to these territories were also constantly in flux.

While today there are only four provinces, there once were five. The Irish word for the provinces, cúige, means 'fifth part', and the province that no longer is, was known as Meath (or Mide) and became part of both today's Leinster and Ulster.

Ulster (Ulaidh) is the northernmost province within the country, containing nine Irish counties, six belonging to Northern Ireland, and three belonging to the Republic of Ireland (Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan). Northern Ireland belongs to the United Kingdom, having been split from the rest of Ireland when Ireland sought sovereignty from British Rule. The total population of the province lies around 2 million, and in ancient times the people of ulster were considered the fiercest warriors on the Island. Ulster was historically ruled by the O'Neill (Uí Néill) family.

Munster (Mumhain) is the southernmost province within Ireland, and contains a total of six counties. It is especially famous for both its traditional culture (especially its music) and its strong tourist pull. Due to its rugged terrain, it has historically been a rather isolated area. The population of Munster is just over 1 million, and in ancient times was famous as the kingdom of music and the arts, and for the skill of its horsemen. Munster was historically ruled by the O'Brien (Uí Briain) family.

Leinster (Laighin), located in the middle and east of the country, is the most populous province in Ireland with a population of over 2.5 million people. Located in Leinster, Dublin is the most populous city within all of Ireland, with a population just over 1 million. The Province contains twelve different counties, including Meath and Westmeath, which were once apart of the Province of Meath. The kingdom of Leinster was known for its hospitality and nobility, and for the beauty of its women. Leinster was historically ruled by the MacMurrough-Kavanagh (Mac Murchadha-Caomhánach) family.

Connacht (Connachta), located in the middle and west of the country, is the least populous province within Ireland with a population of only a little over half a million. Galway is the biggest city within the area, and the province contains the least amount of counties, only containing five. Connacht was known as a kingdom of learning and their men were known for their handsomeness and wisdom. Connacht was historically ruled by the O'Conor (Uí Conchobhair) family.

Meath (Mide), at its height, contained all or parts of the modern counties of Meath, Westmeath, Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, and Offaly. It was known as the kingdom of Kingship and stewardship. The Hill of Tara, which is purportedly the traditional seat of the High King of Ireland, lies within its lands. These provinces were all important governmental jurisdictions prior to the invasion of Ireland by the Vikings, which began in 1169 CE.