The IRD Duhallow region includes North West Cork, South East Kerry and Mid Cork. It is an area of natural development and is predominantly rural. Over 85% of the population live in the open countryside in settlements of less than 200 people.
The IRD Duhallow Region has five market towns: Macroom (Pop. 3765), Kanturk (Pop 2350), Millstreet (Pop. 155) Newmarket (Pop. 976) and rathmore (Pop 790).