Clear up a geography question for me?

Question

Which is the correct usage? People refer to northern and southern Ireland. To me s ireland would be counties cork and kerry, but many people here (in England) refer to the republic as southern ireland. I understand the north is the 6 counties to the north obvoiusly, so does the rest of ireland constitute the south?
Including Donegal?
Would be grateful if someone could clear that one up for me

Thanks.....confused scotsman!

Thanks Guys! Think I've got it sussed S Ireland is not an 'official' term but a colloquialism........this should keep my English & Irish chums down the pub amused for a while!

Answer 1

You are right!!! Southern Ireland means the southern counties ie in Munster. The correct term is the Republic of Ireland and allows you to refer to all the counties that are part of the Republic.

Also, Ulster should never be used as a synonym for Northern Ireland as it is a province consisting of 9 counties three of which (Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal) are part of the Republic.

People who are not from Ireland get confused by the whole thing esp those on the island of Britain....

Hope that helps

Answer 2

The term is incorrect. However, due to its widespread usage on British media (universally available in the Republic), the term is usually understood as meant in context.

People will generally the regard the term as anything from mildly irritating to dumb to completely innocuous. If people ask me if I'm from the North or the South, I usually say I'm from the West because, well, that is where I'm from.

As is common in Ireland, usage of particular terms can convey a particular political leaning. The term "The South" has connotations of a name forced on the Republic as a result of partition. Nowadays, however, the population South of the border care less and less about what happens in the UK (including Northern Ireland) any more. We see ourselves as Irish first, and European second - and the UK is just a neighbour with which we have a lot in common. Politically weighted terms don't have the sting they once had for us.

Answer 3

To the English brain the counties at the top that are part of the UK are known as as Northern Ireland, therefor it is only logical to call the rest the South.

Answer 4

Its Simple.........

Northern Ireland is controlled by Britan. Which is 6 counties...yes.

The Republic of Ireland is the rest of the country, and is a country in itself

Southern Ireland would be the southern counties of Ireland, such as Cork, Kerry, Waterford.....etc etc.

I live in Cork...................so Cool!!! South rules!!

Yeh, so Hows Scotland?????

Answer 5

"The Province of Northern Ireland" is the north eastern 6 counties that's politically part of the UK,commonly referred to as Northern Ireland.As we refer to the province this way,The Republic of Ireland,to make the distinction,is therefore colloquially referred to as the "South",although Donegal,a part of the republic in the north west of the Island has claim to the most northerly point.So,You can be further north in the south from one viewpoint!

Answer 6

Well u got to remember that Norther Ireland is control by Britain. Soutthern Ireland (Republic) is countrollrd by the Irish, that should help.

Answer 7

This web link (bottom of the front page)exlpains the Northern Ireland bit ....well sort of but it will entertain you in your quest.

http://www.belfast.net/Mo/