The Four Provinces of Ireland:
Breakdown With Counties & Things to Do

The four provinces of Ireland are Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and Connacht. They divide the island of Ireland into quadrants, and while interesting from a historical point of view, they are rarely referenced in a way that would be useful for tourists. If you are a sports fan, however, organizations like the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) do run provincial competitions. 

All four provinces contain gorgeous landscapes and the craggy coastlines you’re dreaming of. Each holds opportunities for engagement with ancient history and sites of mythological significance, as well destination-worthy tourist attractions for first-time visitors.  

However, they do have some regional variations worth considering when planning your trip to Ireland. Read on for an overview of Ireland’s four provinces to see which one calls to you!

The 4 Provinces of Ireland

The four provinces of Ireland are Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and Connaught. Ulster is in the north, Leinster is the east, Munster is in the south, and Connacht is in the west. 

Provinces do not have any modern political or administrative use in Ireland, but are a holdover from ancient times. Prior to the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169, the provinces were loosely organized kingdoms controlled by a handful of Ireland’s dynastic families. 

There are 32 counties on the island of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is made up of 26 counties, while the north of Ireland (or, “Northern Ireland”) contains six. Today, the county system is used as the basis of local government, planning, and community development.

Ulster

Counties: Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Monaghan, & Tyrone

Ulster is the northernmost province in Ireland. The historical province of Ireland contains the nine counties listed above. However, during the partition of Ireland in 1921, the British government kept only six of Ulster’s nine counties. This was done in order to isolate and control the number of Catholic citizens in the new statelet. Today, the term “Ulster” is usually used in reference to the six counties that make up the north of Ireland, rather than the nine county province.

Ulster is unique compared to other parts of Ireland due in part to the presence of both Ulster Scots and Irish cultural influences. 

Things to Do in Ulster

The province of Ulster draws fewer tourists than the other three, due in large part to the recent political conflict. We think this is a big mistake! Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is located in Ulster.

• Visit the Titanic Museum

• Climb on the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Check out filming locations for Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Derry Girls, & more!

• Visit Bushmills Distillery

• Climb Mount Errigal in Donegal

Leinster

Counties: Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, & Wicklow

Leinster is the easternmost Irish province and contains Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. This is the most populated province on the island. 

Things to Do in Leinster

• Learn about the Easter Rising on a tour of Kilmainham Gaol

• Visit Hook Lighthouse

• Travel back in time via the Newgrange passage tomb

• Go hiking in the Glendalough Valley

• Taste organic apple cider at Highbank Orchards

Munster

Counties: Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, & Waterford

The southernmost province in Ireland is Munster, which contains two of the largest counties in Ireland–Cork & Kerry. Both Cork & Kerry have strong identities and each has their own nickname: Cork is sometimes called the rebel county or “the People’s Republic of Cork,” and Kerry is called the “Kingdom of Kerry.” 

Things to Do in Munster

• Visit the home of world famous Waterford crystal

• Spend time outdoors in the Burren and the nearby Cliffs of Moher

• Take a cooking class at Ballymaloe Cookery School

• Forage for seaweed on Derrynane Beach

• Visit the Rock of Cashel

Connacht

Counties: Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, & Sligo

Connacht is the western province of Ireland and is home to some of the most stunning coastal regions on the island. Roscommon is the only county in Connacht which is landlocked.

Things to Do in Connacht

• Learn a “cupla focal” of Irish in the Connemara Gaeltacht

• Take a ferry to the Aran Islands & go cycling

• Learn how to surf on one of Sligo’s gorgeous beaches

• Take a pilgrimage to the top of Croagh Patrick

• Go on a guided tour of Rathcroghan

Explore the 4 Provinces of Ireland
with Bog & Thunder

All four provinces of Ireland share unforgettable landscapes, rich history & heritage, world class outdoor experiences, and incredible food!

If you’re finding it hard to choose which province to visit, we are here to help! Bog & Thunder offers private itinerary planning services. All of our trips are organized from the ground up, and we aim to work within your budget. We can help you to plan an epic experience in Ireland which reflects your interests and travel needs, and includes opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else.

If you’d like to meet new people and travel with a small group, this year we’re offering tours that visit all four provinces of Ireland:

Ireland with Akasha Richmond
May 25th to June 5th (Leinster & Munster)

“Guess What? I’m Irish!” An Epic Irish Adventure with writer/comedian Youngmi Mayer
August 1st to 9th (Leinster & Ulster)

Our 3rd annual Writing the Next World writing retreat with Autumn & adrienne maree brown
August 18th to 23rd (Connacht)

Artisan Ireland (collaboration with Zingerman’s Food Tours)
September 16th to 25th (Connacht, Munster)