ieExplains: What's the difference between the Irish courts?

Irish Examiner explains (ieExplains) answers questions about Irish life and society and about how our institutions are run

The Four Courts which houses the High Court, the Supreme Court and civil cases. 

Ireland has five different types of courts, with their importance increasing the further up the legal system you go. The five courts in Ireland are: the District Court, Circuit Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Alongside the five courts, the Irish legal system is divided into two branches, civil and criminal. All courts handle both civil and criminal proceedings.