Munster, province, Ireland

Munster mŭnˈstər [key], province (1991 pop. 1,009,533), 9,315 sq mi (24,126 sq km), SW Republic of Ireland. The largest of the Irish provinces, it comprises the counties of Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford. One of the ancient kingdoms of Ireland, its control passed, after the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, to the well-known families of the Fitzgeralds (earls of Desmond) and the Butlers (earls of Ormonde).

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