Southern Ireland facts for kids

Southern Ireland, South Ireland, or South of Ireland are all terms that can mean different things, depending on the situation. It's a bit like saying "the capital city" – it could mean Washington D.C. if you're in the USA, or London if you're in the UK! For Ireland, these terms can refer to a specific part of the island, a historical government, or even the country we know today as the Republic of Ireland.

What Does Southern Ireland Mean?

The phrase "Southern Ireland" can have a few different meanings. It's important to know which one people are talking about to avoid confusion. Let's explore the main ways this term is used.

Southern Ireland: A Place on the Map

Sometimes, "Southern Ireland" simply means the southern part of the island of Ireland. This is a general geographical description, just like saying "the south of France" or "the northern United States." It refers to the land and areas located in the lower half of the island. This part of Ireland includes many different counties and cities.

Southern Ireland: A Historical Look

There was a time when "Southern Ireland" was the official name for a specific political area. From 1921 to 1922, "Southern Ireland" was a part of the United Kingdom. This happened after a long period of Irish history and political changes. It was created by the Government of Ireland Act 1920. This act aimed to divide Ireland into two parts: Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland.

However, this "Southern Ireland" government didn't last long. Most people in Southern Ireland wanted more independence. They didn't want to be part of the United Kingdom anymore. This led to the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922. The Irish Free State later became the Republic of Ireland. So, "Southern Ireland" as a political entity was very short-lived.

Southern Ireland: Today's Republic

Today, when people say "Southern Ireland," they often mean the Republic of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is an independent country. It covers about five-sixths of the island of Ireland. The capital city is Dublin. This country is a sovereign state, meaning it governs itself and is not part of the United Kingdom.

Using "Southern Ireland" to mean the Republic of Ireland is quite common in everyday talk. However, the official name of the country is simply "Ireland" or "the Republic of Ireland." It's good to remember this difference.

See also

• Munster, a province in the southern part of Ireland
• South-East Region, Ireland, a planning region in the Republic of Ireland
• South-West Region, Ireland, another planning region in the Republic of Ireland