Resources, Terrain and the distribution of settlements

Factors that influence the distribution of towns and cities

Altitude Nucleated settlements in Ireland avoid high altitudes Mountains and hills are exposed to high winds and attract relief rainfall Temperatures are lower than at sea level

Drainage patterns Many towns are located at bridge points on rivers, this is because bridge points become a route focus. Towns grow to provide services The word Áth means ford, so towns that contain áth indicate that the settlements are located at crossing points of rivers, e.g. Átha Luain – Athlone The largest urban areas in Ireland are located at river mouths or on the banks or river estuaries e.g. Dublin, Cork , Galway

Land Quality Fertile land attracts settlement Much of the best land is located in the east of the country Towns that were located on rich agricultural land thrived and became market towns Marshlands that contain large bogs are not good for settlements to develop Many nucleated settlements were created on the boundaries of peat lands in order to exploit this resource e.g. Tyrellspass

Coastal Settlements Some settlements are located on the coast. They may be fishing ports, such as Killybegs in Co. Donegal or coastal resorts such as Tramore in Co. Waterford

Summary Nucleated settlements generally avoid upland regions in Ireland Many towns are found in river valleys and at crossing points Fertile lands attract nucleated settlements