Connaught

Connaught, the most westerly and the smallest, both in extent and population, of the four provinces of Ireland. It is bounded N. and W. by the Atlantic; E. by Ulster and Leinster, from the latter of which it is separated by the Shannon; and S. by Munster. It contains the counties of Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. Greatest length from north to south, 105 miles; greatest breadth, not including Achil Island, 92 miles. Area, 6863 sq. m. The west coast has many fine bays and harbours, and the surface, especially in the western half, is mountainous and rugged, forming remarkably grand and picturesque scenery. The people are still almost purely Celtic. In ancient times the O'Connors were kings of Connaught. In 1590 the province was divided by the English into six counties, its present five, with Clare, afterwards joined to Munster. In 1874 the title Duke of Connaught was conferred on Prince Arthur, third son of Queen Victoria. The territorial regiment, the Connaught Rangers, once the 88th foot, now comprises the old 88th and 94th regiments (with four battalions of militia). Pop. (1841) 1,420,705; (1851) 1,015,479; (1861) 919,135; (1881) 817,197; (1891) 724,772, a decrease due mainly to emigration.