Have you ever wondered why places like your town or county have the names they do? Today, we’re going on a journey to discover the amazing stories behind Irish place names!

In this lesson, you will:

• Learn how places get their names from old stories, nature, and brave people.
• Explore maps of Ireland’s provinces: Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster.
• Click on county names to find out their Irish meanings.
• Match English names with their Irish translations.
• Share what surprises you most about these names.

Have you ever wondered why your town or county has its name? Places get their names from cool stories from long ago! Sometimes, they are named after brave people like chiefs or saints. Other times, it is because of something special there, like a big hill, a winding river, or a shady oak tree.

For example, picture a spot with a huge oak tree where villagers gathered for meetings. In Irish, 'oak grove' is 'Dáire'. That name might stick and become the town’s name forever!

Leinster is one of Ireland's provinces. It got its name from the Laigin people who lived there long ago. Their name means 'broad spears'.

Now, explore a map of places in Leinster, Ireland. Click on each placename to discover its Irish origin and what it means. This will help you understand how places get their names. Follow the instructions in the activity below.

Munster is one of Ireland's provinces. It got its name from the Gaelic word 'Mumhan', which comes from the name of an ancient tribe called the Muma.

Now, explore a map of places in Munster, Ireland. Click on each placename to discover its Irish origin and what it means. This will help you understand how places get their names. Follow the instructions in the activity below.

Connacht is one of Ireland's provinces. It got its name from the Connachta, an ancient Irish tribe. Their name means 'descendants of Conn'.

Now, explore a map of places in Connacht. Click on each placename to discover its Irish origin and what it means. This will help you understand how places get their names. Follow the instructions in the activity below.