Provinces of Ireland

The four provinces of Ireland are Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. Three of the four provinces—Connacht, Leinster, and Munster–are found entirely within the Republic of Ireland today, while the province of Ulster is located in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Irish word for this territorial division, cúige, meaning "fifth part", suggests that there were once five, and at times Meath has been considered to be the fifth province. In the medieval period, however, there were often more than five. The number of provinces and their delineation fluctuated until 1610, when they were permanently set by the administration of James I.

The provinces of Ireland no longer serve administrative or political purposes but function as historical and cultural entities. Each province is today represented by its own unique arms and flag. These arms or flags may be combined to make a Four Provinces Flag of Ireland for All-Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) sports teams and organisations.