What is Connacht, and where is it located within Ireland?

Connacht is the smallest of the four traditional provinces of Ireland, situated in the western part of the island. It is recognized as a subdivision of the Irish state, though it does not serve an official function in local government.

How many traditional counties comprise the province of Connacht?

Connacht is divided into five traditional counties. These counties are Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo, which is the fewest number of counties among Ireland's four provinces.

What was the population of Connacht according to the 2022 census?

As per the preliminary results of the 2022 census, the population of Connacht was 589,338. This makes it the fourth most populous province in Ireland.

What is the total land area of Connacht, and how does it rank among the provinces?

Connacht covers a total area of 17,713 square kilometers (6,839 square miles). This land area ranks it as the fourth largest province in Ireland.

What is the Irish language name for Connacht, and what does it mean?

The Irish language name for Connacht is Connachta, which means "descendants of Conn." This name refers to the historical ruling dynasty of the region.

How does Connacht compare to other Irish provinces in terms of Irish language speakers?

Connacht has the highest number of Irish language speakers among the four provinces. Approximately 39.8% of its population, totaling over 202,000 people, identify as Irish speakers.

In which counties of Connacht are Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas located?

Gaeltacht areas, where the Irish language is predominantly spoken, are found in Counties Galway and Mayo within Connacht. The largest of these areas is located in the western part of County Galway.

What is the origin of the name Connacht?

The name Connacht originates from the medieval ruling dynasty known as the Connachta, whose name signifies "descendants of Conn." This lineage traces back to the mythical king Conn of the Hundred Battles.

What was Connacht known as before the Connachta dynasty gave it its name?

Before the Connachta dynasty rose to prominence, the region was known as Cúige Ol nEchmacht, which translates to "the Fifth of Ol nEchmacht." The term 'cúige' means 'fifth,' indicating it was one of the ancient divisions of Ireland.

What is the difference between the English spellings 'Connacht' and 'Connaught'?

The spelling 'Connacht' has been the preferred English spelling since the Gaelic revival and is used by state bodies like the Central Statistics Office. 'Connaught' was the official anglicized spelling during English and British rule and is still seen in some historical contexts, such as the Connaught Rangers regiment and the Connaught Hotel in London.

What are the five traditional counties that make up the province of Connacht?

The province of Connacht is comprised of five traditional counties: County Galway, County Leitrim, County Mayo, County Roscommon, and County Sligo.

Which county in Connacht contains the province's only official city?

Galway is the only official city within the province of Connacht. It serves as the largest urban center and a major economic hub for the region.

What is the highest point in Connacht, and in which county is it located?

The highest point in Connacht is Mweelrea, which stands at 814 meters (2,671 feet). It is located in County Mayo.

What is the largest island in Connacht?

The largest island in Connacht, and indeed in all of Ireland, is Achill Island. It is located off the coast of County Mayo.

Which river forms a significant part of Connacht's geography, and what large lake is associated with it?

The River Shannon flows through Connacht, forming part of its eastern boundary. The largest lake within the province is Lough Corrib, located primarily in County Galway.

What are some of the major mountain ranges found in the rugged western areas of Connacht?

The rugged western areas of Connacht, particularly in counties like Mayo and Galway, feature several mountain ranges. These include the Twelve Bens, Maumturks, Mweelrea, Croagh Patrick, Nephin Beg, Ox Mountains, and Dartry Mountains.

What is Killary Harbour known for in terms of geographical features?

Killary Harbour is notable as one of Ireland's few fjords. It is situated at the foot of Mweelrea mountain in County Mayo.

What ancient peoples are associated with Connacht's early history, according to myths?

According to early Irish myths, after the Tuatha Dé Danann arrived in Ireland, they drove the Fir Bolg people to Connacht. This suggests Connacht was a significant region even in prehistoric times.

What prehistoric sites in Connacht provide evidence of early human activity?

Several sites in Connacht demonstrate intensive occupation far back into prehistory. These include the Céide Fields, Knocknarea, Listoghil, Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery, and Rathcroghan, which are important archaeological locations.

Which dynasty's name is associated with the origin of the province of Connacht?

The province's name, Connacht, originates from the Connachta dynasty, which became the dominant ruling family in the region by around 1050 AD. Their rise marked a significant period of consolidation for the area.

Who were the most prominent rulers from the Ó Conchobair dynasty, and what titles did they achieve?

The most prominent rulers from the Ó Conchobair dynasty were Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair and his son Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair. Both achieved the title of High King of Ireland, signifying Connacht's peak political influence.

What significant innovations did Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair introduce to Ireland?

Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair introduced several innovations, including the construction of the first stone castles in Ireland and the policy of primogeniture, which aimed to streamline succession. He also sponsored significant artistic and religious works.

How did the Norman invasion of Ireland impact the Kingdom of Connacht?

The Norman invasion, triggered by the expulsion of Dermot MacMurrough by High King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, eventually led to the collapse of the Kingdom of Connacht's unified rule. Internal rebellions and Anglo-Norman settlement weakened the kingdom, leading to its eventual fragmentation.

What was the significance of the city of Galway during the medieval period?

Galway was the only significant urban center in Connacht during the medieval period. Its inhabitants governed themselves under a charter, and its merchant families, known as the Tribes of Galway, engaged in extensive international trade.

Which two battles fought in Connacht were noted for their exceptionally high casualties?

Connacht was the site of two particularly bloody battles in Irish history: the Second Battle of Athenry in 1316 and the Battle of Knockdoe in 1504. Both battles resulted in thousands of casualties, which was unusually high for warfare in Ireland at the time.

How did the Tudor conquest of Ireland affect Connacht's political structure?

The Tudor conquest of Ireland in the late 16th century brought all of Connacht's lordships under the direct rule of the English crown. Following this, the province was systematically organized into its present-day counties, starting around 1569.

What role did Connacht play during the Confederate and Williamite Wars in Ireland?

Representatives from Connacht played significant roles in both Confederate Ireland and the Williamite War. The province's main town, Galway, endured multiple sieges, and the region suffered greatly from warfare, plague, and massacres during this period.

What historical event in 1798 involved French forces landing in Connacht?

During the Irish Rebellion of 1798, French forces under General Jean Humbert landed in Killala, County Mayo. They joined forces with United Irishmen rebels, proclaimed the "Republic of Connacht," and fought against Crown troops before the rebellion was ultimately suppressed.

How severely was Connacht affected by the Great Famine of the 1840s?

Connacht was the region most severely impacted by the Great Famine, particularly Counties Mayo and Roscommon. The province's population dropped dramatically from its peak of 1,418,859 in 1841 to 1,010,031 by 1851, and this decline continued for over a century.

What was the Connacht–Ulster constituency for the European Parliament?

Connacht–Ulster was one of Ireland's four regional constituencies for elections to the European Parliament. This constituency was in place until 2004, when it was replaced by the North-West constituency.

What are the main Gaeltacht areas in Connacht today?

The main Gaeltacht areas in Connacht are located in Counties Mayo and Galway. The largest of these is in County Galway, encompassing regions like Cois Fharraige, Connemara, the Aran Islands, and Joyce Country, while Mayo's Gaeltacht areas include Iorras, Acaill, and Tourmakeady.

Which sports are most popular in Connacht, and what are the main governing bodies?

Gaelic football and hurling are the most popular sports in Connacht, overseen by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which has 212 affiliated clubs in the province. In rugby union, Connacht Rugby represents the region in the United Rugby Championship. For association football, the Connacht Football Association is the governing body.

Which Connacht county's GAA team is the most successful in the province's history?

Galway's GAA teams are the most successful in Connacht's history. The Galway football team has won 48 Connacht titles and 9 All-Ireland Senior Football Championships, while the Galway hurling team has won the Liam MacCarthy Cup five times.

What significant achievement did Connacht Rugby accomplish in the 2015/2016 season?

In the 2015/2016 season, Connacht Rugby achieved a major milestone by winning their first Pro12 title. They defeated Leinster in the final, marking a historic victory for the province.

What is the role of the Connacht Football Association?

The Connacht Football Association serves as the governing body for association football within the province. It oversees various Connacht league and cup competitions for senior men's teams, with Galway United F.C. and Sligo Rovers F.C. being the traditional major senior teams from the region.

Is cricket a prominent sport in Connacht?

Cricket is described as a minor but growing sport in Connacht. The Connacht Cricket Union was founded in 2010 to govern the sport, with clubs located in Galway and Sligo, among other towns, though the province does not currently field a team in national competitions.

What is the ISO 3166-2 code assigned to Connacht?

Connacht is assigned the ISO 3166-2 code "IE-C," recognizing it as a country subdivision within Ireland.

What are the primary Eircode routing keys used in Connacht?

The primary Eircode routing keys used in Connacht begin with the letters F, H, and N.

What telephone area codes are typically used in Connacht?

Telephone area codes commonly used in Connacht are those starting with 07x and 09x.

What historical period saw the creation of Connacht's modern counties?

The modern counties of Connacht were created during the Tudor conquest of Ireland, starting from approximately 1569 onwards, bringing the province under direct English rule.

What was the "Republic of Connacht"?

The "Republic of Connacht" was a short-lived entity proclaimed during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. French forces landed in Mayo and, alongside Irish rebels, established this republic, whose effective control was limited to the province of Connacht before its suppression.

Which ancient peoples, recorded by Ptolemy, inhabited the region that is now Connacht?

According to Ptolemy's Geography, ancient peoples such as the Auteini and Nagnatae inhabited the region that is now Connacht during the early historic era, prior to the rise of distinct dynasties.

What notable artifacts found in Connacht suggest contact with mainland European cultures?

Enigmatic artifacts like the Turoe stone and the Castlestrange stone, discovered in Connacht, suggest advanced societies and contact with the La Tène culture of mainland Europe, despite their exact purpose remaining unclear.

What was the significance of the Battle of Aughrim in relation to Connacht?

The Battle of Aughrim, fought on July 12, 1691, was one of the final major battles of the Williamite War in Ireland and occurred within Connacht. It resulted in a significant number of casualties, estimated around 10,000.

Which historical document mentions the name "Connaught" in relation to an Irish regiment in the British Army?

The spelling "Connaught" was used for the Connaught Rangers, an Irish regiment in the British Army. This spelling was also used for Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and the Connaught Hotel in London.

What is the primary function of the Connacht Rugby team?

Connacht Rugby serves as the representative team for the province in professional rugby union competitions, including the United Rugby Championship and the Rugby Champions Cup. Their home matches are played at the Galway Sportsgrounds.

What is the significance of the Galway Gaeltacht area?

The Galway Gaeltacht is recognized as the largest Irish-speaking region in Ireland. It encompasses significant areas within County Galway where the Irish language is actively spoken.

What role did the Ó Ceallaigh family play in Connacht's history?

The Ó Ceallaigh family were the rulers of Uí Maine, the most substantial sub-kingdom within Connacht. While they never held the provincial kingship, Uí Maine maintained semi-independent status both before and after the decline of the Connacht kingship.

What were the main types of settlements in Connacht during the high medieval era, besides Galway?

During the high medieval era, following Anglo-Norman influence, new towns like Athenry, Headford, and Castlebar were founded in Connacht. Existing settlements such as Sligo, Roscommon, Loughrea, and Ballymote were also expanded.

Which two major Irish provinces' coats of arms are depicted in the navbox alongside Connacht's?

The navbox displays the coats of arms for Leinster and Munster alongside Connacht's. It also includes Ulster's coat of arms, showing the four traditional provinces of Ireland.

Connacht Wiki: Connacht: The Western Embrace of Ireland

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Connacht: An Overview

Geographic Identity

Connacht, also spelled Connaught, is the smallest of Ireland's four traditional provinces, situated in the western part of the island. Its name originates from the medieval ruling dynasty, the Connachta, signifying "descendants of Conn," a lineage tracing back to the mythical King Conn of the Hundred Battles. Historically, the province encompassed areas that later became part of Munster, but its modern definition is rooted in the territories dominated by the Connachta dynasty.

Historical Significance

Until the ninth century, Connacht comprised several independent Gaelic kingdoms. Over time, the Connachta dynasty consolidated power, with rulers like Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair and his son Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair achieving the status of High King of Ireland. The province's history is marked by periods of Gaelic resurgence, Norman settlement, and eventual shiring into its present counties during the Tudor conquest of Ireland.

Linguistic Heritage

Connacht retains a significant connection to the Irish language. It hosts the largest Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) in Ireland, primarily located in County Galway and extending into County Mayo. This region, including areas like Connemara and the Aran Islands, remains a vital center for the preservation and daily use of the Irish language, with a substantial number of speakers across the province.

Geography and Divisions

Administrative Structure

Connacht is administratively divided into five counties: Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. It is the smallest province both in land area (17,713 km²) and population, with approximately 589,338 residents as per the 2022 census. Galway serves as the province's sole official city.

The counties of Connacht, with their respective populations and areas:

County	Population (2022)	Area
Galway (Gaillimh)	276,451	6,151 km² (2,375 sq mi)
Leitrim (Liatroim)	35,199	1,590 km² (610 sq mi)
Mayo (Maigh Eo)	137,231	5,586 km² (2,157 sq mi)
Roscommon (Ros Comáin)	70,259	2,548 km² (984 sq mi)
Sligo (Sligeach)	70,198	1,838 km² (710 sq mi)
Grand Total	589,338	17,713 km² (6,839 sq mi)

Natural Landscape

Connacht's geography is diverse, featuring rugged coastlines, significant mountain ranges, and numerous lakes and rivers. The highest point is Mweelrea (814 m) in County Mayo. Notable features include the dramatic Cliffs of Moher (partially in Connacht), Killary Harbour (one of Ireland's few fjords), and extensive peatlands. The western coastal areas, such as Connemara and Erris, are particularly known for their wild, inhospitable beauty, while inland regions like east Galway and Roscommon offer more fertile agricultural land.

A Tapestry of History

Ancient Roots

Prehistoric settlements in Connacht are evidenced by sites like Céide Fields and Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. Early myths suggest the Fir Bolg were driven to Connacht by the Tuatha Dé Danann. By the 5th century AD, tribal structures were giving way to dynastic rule, with peoples like the Connachta emerging as dominant forces. The province, then known as Cóiced Ol nEchmacht, was a region of numerous smaller kingdoms before the rise of the Connachta.

Kingdom and High Kingship

The Ó Conchobair sept of the Connachta became the most powerful, establishing the Kingdom of Connacht. Kings like Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair and his son Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair extended their influence significantly, becoming High Kings of Ireland. Tairrdelbach introduced stone castles and policies like primogeniture, while Ruaidrí was the last native High King recognized across the island before the Norman invasion.

Conflict and Resurgence

The Norman invasion in the late 12th century led to periods of conflict and settlement. The province saw intense warfare, including the battles of Athenry and Knockdoe. Following the decline of Norman influence in the 14th century, Gaelic resurgence occurred, with many Anglo-Norman families becoming Gaelicized. The Tudor conquest in the late 16th century finally brought Connacht under direct English rule, leading to the creation of its modern counties.

Tumultuous Eras

Connacht played a role in the Confederate and Williamite Wars of the 17th century, enduring sieges, plagues, and massacres. The province was a focal point of the 1798 Rebellion, with French forces landing in Mayo and proclaiming the "Republic of Connacht." The Great Famine of the 1840s devastated Connacht, particularly Mayo and Roscommon, causing a drastic population decline that continued for over a century.

Governance and Representation

Modern Administration

Connacht functions as a recognized subdivision within the Republic of Ireland, though it holds no administrative role in local government. It is listed on the ISO 3166-2 standard as the subdivision code "IE-C." For European Parliament elections, Connacht is part of the Midlands–North-West constituency.

Political Landscape

The province's political representation includes Teachtaí Dála (TDs) and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The distribution of seats reflects the current political makeup of the region, with representation from various parties and independent politicians, indicating a diverse political engagement.

The Irish Language in Connacht

Gaeltacht Regions

Connacht is home to significant Gaeltacht areas, primarily in Counties Galway and Mayo. The Galway Gaeltacht, encompassing regions like Connemara, the Aran Islands, and Joyce Country, is the largest in Ireland. These areas are crucial for the daily use and transmission of the Irish language.

Speaker Statistics

According to recent census data, a substantial portion of Connacht's population identifies as Irish speakers. Over 200,000 individuals in the province speak Irish, with a significant concentration in Galway and Mayo. The presence of Gaelscoileanna (Irish-medium schools) outside the traditional Gaeltacht areas further underscores the language's cultural importance.

Sporting Traditions

Gaelic Games

Gaelic football and hurling are the dominant sports in Connacht, managed by numerous Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs. The Connacht Senior Football Championship determines the provincial champion annually. While Galway has historically been dominant, Mayo has shown recent strength. The Galway hurling team competes in the Leinster Championship due to provincial competition levels.

Rugby Union

Connacht Rugby represents the province in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions, playing its home games at the Galway Sportsgrounds. The team achieved a significant milestone by winning its first Pro12 title in the 2015-2016 season, marking a notable success for the region in professional rugby.

Emerging Sports

While Gaelic games and rugby are prominent, other sports like association football and cricket are also present. Connacht has football clubs competing nationally, and cricket, governed by the Connacht Cricket Union, is a growing sport within the province, with clubs in several key towns.

Study Resources

Prepare for Assessment

Engage with the following resources to deepen your understanding of Connacht's multifaceted identity. Utilize the flashcards for quick review and test your knowledge with the quiz.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Connacht" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about connacht while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

prince ernest augustus of hanover born 1914

social alternative

russia day

2005 ncaa division i women's basketball tournament

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Connacht Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information is presented for educational and informational purposes only. It may not reflect the most current data or nuances of the subject matter.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, geographers, linguists, sports analysts, or other relevant subject matter experts. Always consult with professionals for specific advice tailored to your needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Connacht: The Western Embrace

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Connacht: An Overview ℹ️

📍 Geographic Identity

📜 Historical Significance

🗣️ Linguistic Heritage

Geography and Divisions 🏞️

🗺️ Administrative Structure

⛰️ Natural Landscape

A Tapestry of History ⏳

🏺 Ancient Roots

👑 Kingdom and High Kingship

⚔️ Conflict and Resurgence

🔥 Tumultuous Eras

Governance and Representation 🏛️

🇮🇪 Modern Administration

🗳️ Political Landscape

The Irish Language in Connacht 🗣️

💚 Gaeltacht Regions

📊 Speaker Statistics

Sporting Traditions 🏆

⚽ Gaelic Games

🏉 Rugby Union

🏏 Emerging Sports

Study Resources 📚

💡 Prepare for Assessment

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Connacht: An Overview

Geographic Identity

Historical Significance

Linguistic Heritage

Geography and Divisions

Administrative Structure

Natural Landscape

A Tapestry of History

Ancient Roots

Kingdom and High Kingship

Conflict and Resurgence

Tumultuous Eras

Governance and Representation

Modern Administration

Political Landscape

The Irish Language in Connacht

Gaeltacht Regions

Speaker Statistics

Sporting Traditions

Gaelic Games

Rugby Union

Emerging Sports

Study Resources

Prepare for Assessment

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice