The term SHIRE can be divided into two crossword solutions: DIVISION (8 letters) and COUNTY (6 letters). A shire is a traditional term for a DIVISION of land in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. It is usually a COUNTY or similar administrative DIVISION, and is often used to refer to rural areas. In the UK, a shire is a COUNTY, and in Scotland it is a council area. In Australia, a shire is an administrative DIVISION of local government. In New Zealand, a shire is a local government area.