North Ireland vs. Northern Ireland Map

Map from Wikimedia Commons (with modification made above)

The map above shows the large island of Ireland, depicting the geographical borders of the Republic of Ireland (in green) and Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom, in red).

It is worth noting that as depicted on the red circle on the above map, the northernmost tip of the island itself does not belong to Northern Ireland (the one that’s part of the UK), but is technically a place in the sovereign Republic of Ireland.

That’s right—despite its name, Northern Ireland (UK) isn’t the most northern point on the island!

The island’s northernmost point in question is the Banba’s Crown, the rugged tip of Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, sitting at a latitude of 55°23′4″N.

On the other hand, Northern Ireland’s mainland northernmost point, the Benbane Head in County Antrim, trails slightly behind at 55°15′N.

There’s more to this fact, however! If the outer islands are included, the Republic of Ireland claims an even more northerly title, as the Tor Beg Rock, a tiny speck northeast of Inishtrahull, County Donegal, sits at 55°26’59″N. The British side’s island claim, Skerriagh off Rathlin Island, reaches 55°18′N.

Fascinated by this map? Share it with your friends or leave a comment below!

See also  Ireland Shaded Relief Map