The Story Behind Every Irish County Name: A Journey Through Ireland’s Ancient Past

Ireland’s 32 counties carry names that echo through centuries of history, each one telling a unique story of ancient kingdoms, legendary figures, and geographical features that shaped the Emerald Isle. Join us on a fascinating journey through Ireland’s counties as we uncover the origins and meanings behind their names.

Leinster Province

Carlow (Ceatharlach)

The name Carlow, or Ceatharlach in Irish, means “four lakes” or “quadruple lake.” However, this interpretation has been debated by historians who suggest it might instead refer to “four stone castles,” derived from “ceathrú” (four) and “cloch” (stone). The county’s name likely dates back to the 7th century when the area was known for its strategic waterways.

Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath)

Dublin’s Irish name, Baile Átha Cliath, means “town of the hurdled ford.” This refers to the ancient crossing point over the River Liffey where wooden hurdles were used as bridges. The English name Dublin comes from “Dubh Linn” meaning “black pool,” referring to a dark tidal pool where the River Poddle met the Liffey.

Kildare (Cill Dara)

Kildare takes its name from “Cill Dara,” meaning “church of the oak.” This name originated with Saint Brigid’s monastery, founded in the 5th century under a great oak tree. The oak held sacred significance in both Christian and pre-Christian traditions, making it a powerful symbol of the county’s spiritual heritage.

Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh)

Kilkenny derives from “Cill Chainnigh,” meaning “church of Canice.” Saint Canice founded a monastic settlement here in the 6th century. The impressive medieval cathedral that still stands in Kilkenny City bears his name and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of this early Christian saint.

Laois (Laois)

Formerly known as Queen’s County, Laois takes its name from an ancient kingdom called Loígis, whose people were known as the Laoisigh. These were descendants of Lughaidh Laoighseach, a legendary warrior of the 2nd century. The county reverted to its historic name after Irish independence.

Longford (Longfort)

Longford comes from the Irish “Longfort,” meaning “stronghold” or “fortress.” This name refers to the Viking fortress that once stood where Longford town is today. The Vikings used this strategic location to control the River Shannon and surrounding territories.

Louth (Lú)

County Louth is named after the village of Louth, which in turn takes its name from Lugh, a deity in Irish mythology. Lugh was associated with skill, crafts, and warfare, and was one of the most important gods in the Celtic pantheon. The county is sometimes called “the Wee County” as it’s Ireland’s smallest by area.

Meath (An Mhí)

Meath comes from “Midhe,” meaning “middle.” This name reflects its position as the middle kingdom of ancient Ireland and seat of the High Kings at Tara. Meath was considered the fifth province of Ireland in ancient times, central to both geography and power.

Offaly (Uíbh Fhailí)

Formerly King’s County, Offaly’s Irish name comes from the ancient kingdom of Uí Failghe, meaning “descendants of Failge.” Failge was a grandson of Cathaoir Mór, a legendary High King of Ireland. The territory was ruled by the O’Connor family until the 16th century.

Westmeath (An Iarmhí)

Westmeath’s name simply means “west of Meath,” as it was originally part of the ancient kingdom of Meath. The county was separated from Meath proper in 1543 during the reign of Henry VIII, though both counties retain their historical connection through their names.

Wexford (Loch Garman)

The Irish name “Loch Garman” comes from a legend about Garman Garbh, a warrior who drowned in the harbor. The English name Wexford comes from “Waesfjord,” meaning “inlet of the mud flats” in Old Norse, reflecting the Viking settlement established there in the 9th century.

Wicklow (Cill Mhantáin)

Wicklow’s Irish name, Cill Mhantáin, means “church of the toothless one,” referring to Saint Mantan who lost his teeth in an attack by locals before converting them to Christianity. The English name comes from the Viking “Vikingló” meaning “Viking’s meadow.”

Munster Province

Clare (An Clár)

Clare comes from “an Clár,” meaning “the plain” or “the board.” This refers to a crossing point over the River Fergus made of wooden planks. The name was first applied to the town of Clare (now Clarecastle) before extending to the whole county.

Cork (Corcaigh)

Cork derives from “Corcach,” meaning “marsh.” This refers to the marshy land around the River Lee where Cork City was founded. The area’s waterlogged nature actually proved beneficial for the city’s early development, as the marshes provided natural defenses.

Kerry (Ciarraí)

Kerry comes from “Ciarraí,” meaning “people of Ciar.” Ciar was the pre-Gaelic tribe that inhabited the region. The full name “Ciarraí Luachra” refers to the abundance of rushes (luachra) in the area. The Kingdom of Kerry was one of the last areas of Ireland to be formally shired into a county.

Limerick (Luimneach)

The name Limerick comes from “Luimneach,” referring to the “bare marsh” along the Shannon estuary. Another interpretation suggests it comes from “Loimeanach” meaning “a barren spot of land.” The Vikings established an important settlement here in the 9th century.

Tipperary (Tiobraid Árann)

Tipperary derives from “Tiobraid Árann,” meaning “Well of Ara.” This refers to the well that gave its name to the town of Tipperary, located in the ancient territory of Ara. The well was associated with the pre-Christian goddess Ara.

Waterford (Port Láirge)

While the English name comes from the Norse “Veðrafjǫrðr” meaning “ram fjord” or “windy fjord,” the Irish name Port Láirge is thought to refer to Lárag, a Viking leader. Waterford holds the distinction of being Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914.

Connacht Province

Galway (Gaillimh)

Galway takes its name from the river Gaillimh (now the River Corrib). One tradition says it was named after Gailleamh, the daughter of a legendary chieftain who drowned in the river. The name might also derive from the Irish word “gaill” meaning “foreigners” or “stones.”

Leitrim (Liatroim)

Leitrim comes from “Liatroim” meaning “grey ridge.” This refers to the grey-colored hills that characterize much of the county’s landscape. The name was originally applied to the village of Leitrim, which was once an important regional center.

Mayo (Maigh Eo)

Mayo derives from “Maigh Eo,” meaning “plain of the yews.” This refers to an ancient monastery, now the town of Mayo, which was built near a grove of yew trees. Yew trees held sacred significance in both pagan and early Christian Ireland.

Roscommon (Ros Comáin)

Roscommon comes from “Ros Comáin,” meaning “St. Coman’s wood.” Saint Coman founded a monastery here in the 6th century. The “ros” element refers to a wooden area that was likely prominent in the landscape at the time.

Sligo (Sligeach)

Sligo derives from “Sligeach,” meaning “shelly place,” referring to the abundance of shellfish found in the Garavogue River and surrounding harbor. This name reflects the historical importance of shellfish gathering to the area’s economy.

Ulster Province

Antrim (Aontroim)

Antrim comes from “Aontroim,” meaning “lone ridge” or “single ridge.” This refers to the distinctive ridge upon which Antrim town was built. The name reflects the dramatic landscape of the county, including the famous Antrim plateau.

Armagh (Ard Mhacha)

Armagh derives from “Ard Mhacha,” meaning “Macha’s height.” Macha was a legendary goddess associated with sovereignty and the land. According to tradition, she marked out the hill with her brooch for what would become Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital.

Cavan (An Cabhán)

Cavan comes from “An Cabhán,” meaning “the hollow.” This refers to the area’s distinctive topography, characterized by drumlins and hills with hollow valleys between them. The name was originally applied to the town of Cavan before extending to the whole county.

Derry (Doire)

Derry comes from “Doire,” meaning “oak grove.” This refers to the oak grove where Saint Columba founded his monastery in the 6th century. The city and county were officially renamed Londonderry in 1613, though Derry remains in common use.

Donegal (Dún na nGall)

Donegal comes from “Dún na nGall,” meaning “fort of the foreigners.” This refers to a Viking fort that once stood where Donegal town is today. The “foreigners” in question were likely Norse settlers who established trading posts along the coast.

Down (An Dún)

Down comes from “An Dún,” meaning “the fort,” referring to the ancient dún or fort that stood on the hill where Downpatrick now stands. The name has been associated with the area since pre-Christian times.

Fermanagh (Fear Manach)

Fermanagh derives from “Fear Manach,” meaning “men of Manach.” This refers to the Managháin tribe who controlled this territory in ancient times. The county’s landscape, dotted with lakes and waterways, played a crucial role in its development.

Monaghan (Muineachán)

Monaghan comes from “Muineachán,” meaning “little thicket” or “little hills.” This name perfectly describes the county’s distinctive drumlin landscape, characterized by small, rolling hills formed during the last ice age.

Tyrone (Tír Eoghain)

Tyrone comes from “Tír Eoghain,” meaning “land of Eoghan.” This refers to Eoghan, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, whose descendants (the O’Neills) ruled this territory for centuries. The name reflects the strong connection between the land and the medieval dynasties that controlled it.

Legacy and Evolution

The names of Ireland’s counties offer fascinating insights into the country’s rich history, reflecting waves of settlement, religious changes, and political developments over millennia. From ancient Celtic deities to Christian saints, from Viking settlements to medieval kingdoms, each name tells part of Ireland’s story.

These names have survived numerous political and cultural changes, including the Norman invasion, English colonization, and the creation of the modern Irish state. While some counties briefly bore anglicized or colonial names (such as Queen’s County for Laois), most have retained their historical names, serving as enduring links to Ireland’s ancient past.

Understanding these names helps us appreciate the deep historical and cultural layers that make up modern Ireland. They remind us that every place name has a story to tell, connecting us to the people who lived, ruled, and worshipped in these lands over thousands of years.