Counties per Province in Ireland: Traditional vs. Administrative Divisions

Ireland's traditional four provinces contain the following number of historic counties (used for cultural, sporting, and some administrative purposes):

Important Clarifications

• Total: 32 traditional counties
• Republic of Ireland (26): All except the 6 NI counties (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry, Tyrone)
• Northern Ireland (6): The 6 Ulster counties remaining in UK
• Administrative changes: Republic reformed into 31 local authorities (2014); NI uses 11 districts (2015). Traditional counties persist for GAA, postal, cultural identity.
• Ulster ≠ Northern Ireland: 3 Ulster counties (Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan) are in the Republic

Cultural Significance

Provincial boundaries define GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) competitions, railway regions, and deep-seated regional identities. "The Four Provinces" flag combines their heraldic arms.