Ireland’s official Irish place names are governed by a series of legal orders made under the Official Languages Act 2003. These placenames orders help establish the authorised Irish forms of provinces, counties, administrative areas, population centres and locations within Gaeltacht regions.
The publication, hosted on gov.ie by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, provides access to the orders made to date. The material was first published on 6 July 2015 and was updated on 23 September 2026.
Placenames Orders and Ireland’s Official Language Framework
Fifteen placenames orders had been made since the enactment of the Official Languages Act 2003, covering a broad range of geographic names. Together, they provide the legal basis for the Irish-language versions of national and local place names.
The orders cover:
- The provinces and counties of Ireland
- Administrative units and other place names in specified counties
- Population centres not covered by other orders
- Historic Ordnance Survey Ireland place names in Gaeltacht areas
- Amendments relating to County Limerick
The framework supports the public use of Irish across government, mapping, administration and official communications. It also complements the work of the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Heritage Council and Ordnance Survey Ireland in preserving Ireland’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Key Irish Placenames Orders Available to Download
The publication includes orders dating from 2003 onwards, as well as a later County Carlow order listed for 2026. The available documents include:
- Placenames Order for County Carlow, 2026
- Placenames Order for County Cork, 2012
- Gaeltacht Areas Order, 2011
- Placenames Order for County Dublin, 2011
- Population Centres and Districts Order, 2005
- County Tipperary Order, 2005
- Gaeltacht Areas Order, 2004
- Provinces and Counties Order, 2003
- Orders for Louth, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Offaly and Monaghan
- Official Languages Act 2003 Commencement Order
Two orders specifically relate to Gaeltacht areas. The 2004 order addresses Irish versions of administrative units, while the 2011 order covers other place names shown on historic Ordnance Survey Ireland maps at a scale of six inches to one mile.
Where to find the official records
The orders can be downloaded from the department’s website and from the Placenames Database of Ireland, also known as Logainm. The database is an important reference point for people researching Irish place names, local history and official geographic terminology.
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Why these orders matter
Official placenames orders provide consistency for public bodies, local authorities, mapping services and residents. They also protect the visibility of Irish in everyday administration, particularly in Gaeltacht communities where Irish-language place names have a central cultural role.
For researchers, students and members of the public, the records offer a reliable way to verify the official Irish form of a location rather than relying on informal or historic spellings. They are also relevant to public information services, planning records and government publications.
Conclusion
Ireland’s placenames orders are more than a collection of administrative documents: they are part of the State’s continuing commitment to the Irish language and national heritage. Anyone seeking authoritative Irish place names should consult the relevant order on gov.ie or search the Placenames Database of Ireland for the latest reference information.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
