[3] Promoted from the Ulster Senior Hurling Shield Relegated to the Ulster Senior Hurling Shield The two-tier format introduced in 2016 continued.

Ulster Senior Hurling Championship In the first tier, the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship, Antrim, Armagh, Donegal and Down compete in a knock-out format.

Ulster Senior Hurling Shield In the second tier, the Ulster Senior Hurling Shield, Derry, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone compete in a knock-out format, with the winner gaining promotion to the top tier for 2018.

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship There is no direct path for the Ulster Champions in the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

Four counties will compete in the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship: