III.

Population and Administration

The county has an estimated population of 58,449 (1991). Roman Catholics make up 95 per cent of the population. Most people speak English (the official second language), although there are some Irish speakers (see Celtic Languages) in the western parts of the county.

The county town is Tullamore (1991 population 8,662). The other main towns are Birr (3,280), Clara (2,505), and Edenderry (3,525). Tullamore is the administrative centre for the county council; there are town councils (formerly urban district councils) at Birr, Edenderry, and Tullamore.