Ulster

Ulster is a geographical and historic region on the island of Ireland. It is one of the four traditional provinces of Gaelic Ireland, named after Uladh in Old Irish. The historic province spans parts of two modern jurisdictions: six counties in Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry/Derry, Tyrone) and three counties in the Republic of Ireland (Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan). Consequently, Ulster crosses national borders, unlike the other provinces.

Historically Ulster was a kingdom and later a province under Gaelic and English rule. The 17th-century Plantation of Ulster settled Protestant settlers and changed land ownership. In the 20th century the Troubles, centered in Northern Ireland, affected Ulster deeply, and the 1998 Good Friday Agreement helped establish the current political framework. Today the term Ulster is often used in cultural and historical contexts, while Northern Ireland refers to the contemporary political entity.

Geography and landmarks: The region features coastal areas such as the Antrim coastline and the Giant's Causeway, inland landscapes like Lough Neagh, and mountain ranges including the Sperrin and Mourne Mountains. The Foyle and Bann are major rivers. Demographically, the area is diverse in language and identity, with English as the dominant language and Irish and Ulster Scots present in communities and institutions in parts of the ROI and NI.

Usage: Ulster appears in cultural, educational and sporting names (for example Ulster University) and in historical discourse. The distinction between Ulster (the historic province) and Northern Ireland (the political jurisdiction within the UK) is an important one in discussions of geography, history and identity in the region.