The present invention relates to ablation electrode assemblies. The present invention further relates to an insulated irrigated ablation electrode assembly. The insulated irrigated ablation electrode assembly of the present invention includes a proximal member, a distal member and an intermediate thermally insulating member. The proximal member includes a body portion defined by an outer surface, an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion, and at least one passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface of the body portion. The distal member of the electrode assembly includes a distal end. Moreover, the intermediate member of the electrode assembly is disposed between the proximal member and the distal member thereby thermally insulating the proximal member from the distal member.