Pronunciation: [mˈiːθ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Meath" can be confusing for non-English speakers. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /miːð/, with a long "ee" sound and a voiced "th" sound at the end. The word refers to a county in Ireland and dates back to the early medieval period. While the spelling may seem irregular, it is rooted in the Old Irish language and has retained its distinct pronunciation over time.
Meath is a geographic region in Ireland, located in the province of Leinster, towards the eastern part of the country. It is also the name of a county within this area. The word "Meath" is derived from the Irish Gaelic term "an Mhí", which means "the middle." This is particularly fitting as Meath occupies a central position relative to the other counties in Ireland. Historically, it has been recognized as the Royal County due to its historical association with the High Kings of Ireland.
As a county, Meath is bordered by several other counties, including Dublin, Cavan, Westmeath, and Louth. It covers a land area of approximately 2,342 square kilometers and has a population of over 195,000 people (as of 2021).
The county is renowned for its rich historical and archaeological heritage, containing numerous ancient sites and landmarks. These include the Hill of Tara, which was the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, home to the prehistoric megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. Meath is often visited by tourists interested in exploring its ancient sites, which provide fascinating insights into Ireland's early civilizations and cultural history.
Today, Meath is a diverse and vibrant county, boasting a mix of rural landscapes, modern towns, and villages. It is a popular location for commuters to live in, due to its proximity to Dublin, Ireland's capital city. The county also has a strong agricultural sector, with farming being an important part of its economy.
The word "Meath" is derived from the Irish name for the region, "An Mhí", which means "the middle". It refers to the central location of the county within the province of Leinster in Ireland. The word "Meath" has its roots in the Old Irish word "Míde", which also means "middle". The name reflects the historical significance of Meath as a central area in ancient Ireland.
