Connaught, Ireland

Connaught (Connachta), located on the north west coast of Ireland is just 17,120 sq km in total. It’s where you’ll find the counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. This is a truly beautiful part of the country - some of the scenery here is spectacular! It’s also the most Gaelic part of Ireland with Irish still being widely spoken in many rural towns and villages.

Gaelic rule was first established in Connaught around the year AD 150, when Connaught became one of the five Irish kingdoms. The county was ruled by the O’Connor family, the most notable member being Turloch O’Connor. They were eventually wiped out by the English in 1316 at the Battle of Athenry.

In ancient times the capital was known as “Crúachu”. Nowadays it’s Rathcroghan in Co. Roscommon.

Legendary characters from Connaught include: King Ailill and Queen Medb along with their daughter Findabair (Gwenivere).

During the 15th century Connaught’s title was passed over to the English crown. Later in the 1590’s the provinces was divided up into six counties. One of these counties was Clare which later became part of Munster province.