Connaught

I

Introduction

Connaught, province, north-western Republic of Ireland, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Ulster to the north, Leinster to the east, Munster to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Five counties go to make up the province: Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. It has a land area of 17,120 sq km (6,610 sq mi). It measures about 140 km (87 mi) north to south and 160 km (101 mi) east to west. The Aran Islands and Achil lie offshore.

II

Land and resources

To the west and north are extensive peat bogs and mountains. The central plain is mainly limestone, while the surrounding mountains are formed of sandstone, shale, clay, quartz, and granite. The principal rivers are the Shannon, Corrib, and Moy. Several loughs act as drainage basins. The coastline is rugged and deeply indented.

The prevailing westerly winds from the Atlantic bring moist mild weather.

III

Population

The estimated population of Connaught was 423,031 (1991), a fall of nearly 2 per cent since 1986. About 96 per cent of the population are Roman Catholic. In the western areas of Galway and Mayo more people speak Irish than elsewhere in the country.

IV

Economy

Light industry predominates, with Galway being the main industrial centre. More people work in the service industries than anything else. About 25 per cent work in agriculture. Livestock production predominates; barley, oats, and potatoes are also grown where the soil is suitable. Fishing is important and some people combine it with farming. There is a growing emphasis on tourism. Mechanized peat cutting and marble quarrying continue. There are airports at Knock, Galway, Sligo, and Castlebar.