Ireland’s province flags
Four provinces that run nothing any more but still field teams on both sides of the border: a harp, three crowns, an eagle with a sword arm, and a red hand.
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The island of Ireland is divided into four provinces. They have no government or powers today, but everyone knows which one they’re from: the provinces are how Irish sport is organised, from Gaelic football’s provincial championships to rugby’s four professional teams.
The Irish word for a province, cúige, means “a fifth”. There were once five, and the fifth, Meath, was folded into Leinster.
The provinces cross the border. Ulster has nine counties: the six of Northern Ireland and three in the Republic, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan. On Geographys’ UK & Ireland maps, all 32 counties show their province’s flag.
The four provinces
Leinster
A gold harp on green. The harp is Ireland’s own emblem, on its coins and passports. Leinster takes in Dublin and the east, twelve counties in all.
Munster
Three gold crowns on blue. Munster is the south-west: Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Waterford.
Connacht
Split down the middle: half a black eagle on white, and an arm holding a sword on blue. Connacht is the west, and the smallest province, with five counties.
Ulster
A red cross on yellow, with a red hand on a white shield at the centre. Don’t mix it up with the Ulster Banner, Northern Ireland’s old government flag (1953–1972): a red cross on white, with the hand on a six-pointed star under a crown.
On the globe
Ireland
United KingdomMore flags
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