Leinster

Leinster (pronounced /ˈlɛnstər/ — Irish: Laighin / Cúige Laighean — pronounced [lainʲ]) is one of the Provinces of Ireland. It lies in the east of Ireland and comprises the counties of Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow. Leinster has the largest population of the four provinces of Ireland. The traditional flag of Leinster features a golden harp on a green background. In order o... more

Leinster (pronounced /ˈlɛnstər/ — Irish: Laighin / Cúige Laighean — pronounced [lainʲ]) is one of the Provinces of Ireland. It lies in the east of Ireland and comprises the counties of Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow. Leinster has the largest population of the four provinces of Ireland. The traditional flag of Leinster features a golden harp on a green background. In order of size: According to the CSO regional income report, GDP for the province of Leinster in 2004 was estimated to be well over 75 billion Euro. The Gaelic Kingdom of Leinster before 1171 was considerably smaller than today's province. The first part of the name Leinster derives from Laigin, the name of a major tribe that once inhabited the area. The latter part of the name derives either from the Irish tír or the Old Norse staðr, both of which translate as "land" or "territory". The tribes of Leinster were united by Úgaine Mor (Hugony, the Great)... less