UlsterArticle Free Pass Ulster, ancient Ulaid, one of the
ancient provinces of Ireland and subsequently the northernmost
of Ireland’s four traditional provinces (the others being
Leinster, Munster, and Connaught [Connacht]). Because of the
Ulster cycle of Irish literature, which recounts the exploits of
Cú Chulainn and many other Ulster heroes, Ulster has a place of
great prominence in Irish literature. The name Ulster is now
used by many to refer to Northern Ireland. Ancient Ulster
extended from the northern and northeastern coasts of Ireland
south to what is now County Louth and west to what is now County
Donegal. About the beginning of the Common Era, when the ancient
provinces of Ireland were first taking permanent shape, Ulster
had its capital at Emain Macha, near Armagh. Attacks from the
midland kingdom of Meath (Midhe, or Mide) led to Ulster’s
disintegration in the 4th and 5th centuries. The province
subsequently split into three kingdoms: Oriel, or Airgialla (in
central Ulster), Aileach (in western Ul