List of cities, boroughs and towns in the Republic of Ireland facts for kids

Ireland has a system of local government that helps manage its cities, towns, and counties. Over the years, how these places are run has changed. This article explains how areas in the Ireland were once called Cities, Boroughs, or Towns under the Local Government Act 2001.

Before 2014, Ireland had different types of local councils. The main ones were "administrative counties" and "county boroughs." County boroughs were the biggest cities. Below them were "urban districts" and "towns" with "town commissioners." These different types of councils had different powers.

In 2001, the system was updated. Administrative counties became simply "counties," and county boroughs became "cities." Smaller areas were called "boroughs" or "towns."

Then, in 2014, there was another big change. Only Dublin, Cork, and Galway kept their own separate city councils. Other cities like Limerick and Waterford joined their county councils. All borough and town councils were also removed. New areas called "Municipal Districts" were created instead. Some of these new districts kept their old names, like "Metropolitan Districts" for Limerick and Waterford, or "Borough Districts" for places like Drogheda.

Cities, Boroughs, and Towns (up to 2014)

This table shows the different cities, boroughs, and towns in Ireland and some facts about them from 2011.

Map of Irish Cities, Boroughs, and Towns

This map shows where the cities, boroughs, and towns were located in Ireland.

See also

• Local government in the Republic of Ireland explains the powers of former municipal councils
• List of urban areas in the Republic of Ireland includes non-municipal towns and villages