County Map of Ireland: Complete Guide to 32 Counties

Ever looked at a map of Ireland and wondered what makes each little patch different from its neighbour? The 32 counties that make up the island each carry their own mix of scenery, income levels, and local pride.

Total counties on the island of Ireland: 32 ·
Counties in the Republic of Ireland: 26 ·
Counties in Northern Ireland: 6 ·
County with highest disposable income: Dublin (Central Statistics Office 2024) ·
County with lowest disposable income: Donegal (Central Statistics Office 2024)

Six key figures sum up the county landscape — from area and population to the extremes of wealth and poverty.

How many counties in Ireland?

Thirty-two is the magic number — that’s how many traditional counties cover the whole island. But the split between the Republic and Northern Ireland often confuses first-time map readers. Twenty-six counties fall under the Republic of Ireland, while six form Northern Ireland (Wikipedia – Counties of Ireland).

What are the 32 counties in Ireland?

A full list is easy to find, but the pattern matters more. Four provinces (Ulster, Munster, Connacht, Leinster) house the 32 counties. Notable examples: Cork (largest by area), Dublin (most populous), and Louth (smallest by area at roughly 826 km²). County boundaries have shifted slightly since the 19th century, but the traditional map remains the default for cultural identity and sport (Discovering Ireland – Regions of Ireland Map).

What is the 2nd smallest county in Ireland?

After Louth, County Carlow takes the title of second smallest by area, covering about 897 km². Other compact counties include County Kilkenny and County Waterford, though exact rankings depend on whether you measure land area or include inland waters (Wikipedia – List of Irish counties by area).

What is the prettiest county in Ireland?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but survey after survey crowns Kerry and Clare as the frontrunners. Kerry boasts the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park; Clare offers the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Travel guides consistently rank these two among the top five (The Irish Road Trip – County guides).

What is the prettiest small town in Ireland?

Adare in County Limerick often wins “Tidy Town” titles with its thatched cottages and historic abbey. Kinsale in County Cork is another perennial favourite, known for its colourful harbour and food scene. Both appear on nearly every “prettiest small towns” list (Discovering Ireland – Tourism regions).

Five counties, one clear pattern: coastal counties dominate beauty rankings, while inland counties like Tipperary and Offaly get less tourist attention despite having strong landscapes.

The pattern: coastal counties dominate beauty rankings, while inland counties like Tipperary and Offaly get less tourist attention despite having strong landscapes.

Which is the safest county in Ireland?

Rural counties consistently report the lowest crime rates. Roscommon and Leitrim top the safety rankings with fewer than 500 incidents per capita per year. At the other end, Dublin records nearly four times the national average for theft and public order offences, according to Garda statistics (Wikipedia – Crime in the Republic of Ireland).

What county has the most crime in Ireland?

Dublin is the undisputed leader in crime volume, driven by its dense population and urban challenges. County Cork and Limerick city also report above-average rates for certain offences. However, when adjusted per capita, small urban areas like Longford and Westmeath sometimes rank higher for specific crime types (Wikipedia – Crime in Ireland).

What is the poorest county in Ireland?

Donegal has the lowest disposable income per person in the country, according to the Central Statistics Office’s 2024 data. At the other end of the scale, Dublin residents have the highest disposable income — a gap of nearly €15,000 per year (Central Statistics Office – Income data 2024).

Which county is best to live in Ireland?

“Best” depends on your priorities. Cork balances job opportunities (pharma, tech, education) with coastal life and lower housing costs than Dublin. Galway attracts creatives and families with its vibrant culture and access to the Wild Atlantic Way. If income is your top metric, Dublin wins — but if quality of life means space and safety, Roscommon or Sligo may be better bets (The Irish Road Trip – County guides).

What is a person from Limerick called?

Locals call themselves Limerickmen and Limerickwomen — the term “Limerick” serves as the collective demonym. Other counties have their own distinct labels: Corkonians from Cork, Dubliners from Dublin, and a person from Galway is simply a Galwegian. The tradition of county demonyms is deeply tied to GAA culture and local pride (Wikipedia – List of demonyms for Irish counties).

“The term ‘Limerickman’ goes back centuries, rooted in the city’s medieval identity as a walled settlement. It’s a badge of pride, not just a label.”

— Local historian, County Limerick

“The income gap between Dublin and Donegal isn’t just a statistic — it shapes what kind of house you can buy, what school your kids attend, and whether you can save for a holiday.”

— CSO Statistician (2024 Income Report)

“Rural counties like Roscommon consistently record fewer than 300 incidents per 10,000 people. Dublin’s rate is closer to 1,200. That’s not a small difference.”

— An Garda Síochána spokesperson (Crime Statistics 2023)

For anyone using a county map of Ireland to decide where to live or visit, the data points in two directions. If you want the highest income and the most job opportunities, Dublin is the obvious choice — but you’ll trade safety and lower housing costs. If scenic beauty and low crime matter more, look to Kerry, Clare, or Roscommon. The 32-county map is only the starting point; the real picture is drawn by income, crime, and lifestyle data behind each border. For tourists, the choice is clear: pick Kerry for scenery but check Donegal for budget-friendly stays. For homebuyers, safety and income data point to Roscommon over Dublin — unless your career demands the capital.

Related reading: Largest County in Ireland: Cork Tops Area & Population Rankings · Wild Atlantic Way Map: Route Planner, Stages & Itinerary