It replaced the pre-Acts of Union Parliament of Ireland constituency.
Its representatives sat in the British House of Commons.
As a result of the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885, the constituency was abolished at the 1885 general election and replaced by 4 single-member constituencies: Martin's death caused a by-election.
de Burgh's death caused a by-election.
Gregory was appointed Governor of Ceylon, causing a by-election.