Chonnacht

Chonnacht is the Irish-language name for Connacht, the western province of Ireland. In Irish, Chonnacht is used in genitive constructions and in place-names to refer to the province’s historic and cultural territory.

Geography and subdivisions: Chonnacht comprises five counties—Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north, by Ulster to the northeast, and by Leinster to the east.

History: The region was home to Gaelic kingdoms in the medieval era, with the Kings of Connacht from dynasties such as the Uí Briúin and Uí Conchobair. The name Connacht derives from Conn, an eponymous legendary figure. In the 12th century, Anglo-Norman forces invaded; later it became part of the Lordship of Ireland and subsequently the Kingdom of Ireland.

Today, Chonnacht/Connacht is a cultural and historical unit without a separate political government. It is the least populous province of Ireland. Notable regions include Connemara in Galway, the Aran Islands, and a rugged coastline. The Irish language remains strongest in western counties, with Galway and Mayo hosting Gaelic-speaking communities.

Economy and culture: The region’s economy relies on agriculture, fishing, and tourism, with Galway City as its largest urban center. Connemara, the Aran Islands, and vast rural landscapes contribute to its cultural distinctive identity within Ireland.