[1][2][3] The song is named for Lough Ree, where the three Irish counties of Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath meet at a tripoint.

Also mentioned in the song are the towns of Athlone and Glassan, The Three Jolly Pigeons (a pub on the Athlone–Ballymahon road) and the River Shannon.

[4] The song is from the point of view of a member of the Irish diaspora, working in construction in a foreign land and longing to return home.

[5] "Where The 3 Counties Meet" was written by Patsy Farrell (1929–2002) of Rathowen.

[6][7][8] "Where The 3 Counties Meet" was released by Brendan Shine in 1973, and was number one on the Irish Singles Chart for two weeks in August 1973.