Not true that Cork is in the East and you ignored Galway and Limerick the next 2 biggest cities by population both in the West, lazy

As someone born and raised in the West of Ireland, it’s largely down to a combination of poorer agricultural land and relative isolation from Ireland’s main trading partners in the EU and UK. This leads to a more scattered population and less prospect of attracting FDI, although American multinationals have stepped in the breach somewhat.

Totally missed the huge influence of the Famine. The west of Ireland was a lot more densely populalted prior to the famine. The famine and the emmigration that followed for over a hundred years, is a major factor in why the west is less populated. For example the population of the Western province of Connacht in 1841, before the famine, was 1.4 million by by 1971 it was 390K. Munster 1841 2.3 million by 1971 879K. A little research wouldn't kill you. The population decline in Ireland is an emotive subject.

I’ve told my son and his wife in Galway that the people he sees every day are an illusion as where he lives is ‘pretty empty’

"The island of Ireland is home to about 7.2 million people."

So what defines a 'major' city, given the size and distribution of the population? Limerick and Galway have populations that are not that much less than that of Cork. And are similar to many cities in the UK. The West of Ireland has always been less developed and relied more on agriculture and tourism while Belfast and Dublin always had most of the industry, commerce, and the seats of power. Still, property is still expensive.

A small point on the residents of NI and the EU: there is a provision in the Good Friday Agreement that citizens of NI can choose to have citizenship of UK or the Republic of Ireland or both. So, a portion of the NI population are already EU citizens. But they live in a non-EU state.

All the population on the east coast tilts the island to have nice beaches there and high cliffs on the opposite side of the island.

Limerick has left the chat, and Galway’s already in the car.

Geoff this population shift is only true post famine. The population of county Mayo in the west in 1841 was almost 400,000, yet now is 130,000. Inhabited by farmers on very small holdings yet In the east it was often bigger landed estates run by the English. The west and south West never recovered population wise. Cork is also is in the south and south West of the country

hahaha! You try make it sound like the Australian outback, try drive from Dublin (east coast) to Galway (west coast) and you'll see just how "empty" this country is, every town and city is bursting with people. You have not got a clue and I suspect you've never set foot here.

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Like most other countries, NI is Belfast-centric and ROI is Dublin-centric. Governments choose to invest in each of those heavily. Private investment goes there which nobody can control. I think money needs to be more evenly distributed relative to size, problem is Belfast needs massively developed and regenerated in parts with investment, whereas in Dublin the problems are more housing and crime. These cities are much larger than the others. Despite the two being 170km apart, no high speed rail which would be the norm in Europe. All of Ireland deserves a connected railway system also. Infrastructure and transport is a problem on both sides

I've been all over Ireland as my husband is from Ireland. The consistency of the soil in the west is much rockier than the soil in the East. That's a big factor as to why so many in the west left. Farming was simply more of an uphill battle. If you travel from Dublin to Galway by car you'll gradually notice more and more stone fences. I spent some time on one of the Aran Islands off the west coast and the entire island was broken down by stone "fences".

We just returned from Ireland. We saw the southern portion of the Republic. As nice as the cities in the East are. The beauty and peace of the western areas can't be understated. Some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen in my life were in the west. So I think it comes down to one's desires and preferences. The hustle, bustle and culture of cities or the more relaxed and peaceful areas out in the countryside. Either way. It's something I can so highly recommend if given the opportunity. And we're hoping to make it back again one day.

I recently moved to the west coast of Ireland. One of the advantages of it being less populated than the east is that property prices are much more reasonable. 😁

Thanks for the video on Ireland! I appreciate your time, research and presentation of world geography and interesting facts. Maybe consider adjusting your voice and varying the depths and heights of your tone during your videos. Otherwise great job, keep up the good work :)

"Major" is a relative term....In terms of "major cities" on a global scale, with the exception of Belfast and Dublin, many population centres in Ireland are little more than small towns. BTW I live in Ireland.

Surprised you didn’t mention Cromwell. He and his forces were responsible for some heinous crimes against the Irish people.

Wonderful video. I won't bore you with historical stuff. The West of Ireland is jaw dropping beautiful. Again, fantastic video.