 Part of the Debub Wollo Zone, Were Ilu is bordered on the southwest by Jama, on the west by Legahida, on the northwest by Legambo, on the north by Dessie Zuria, on the east by the Abuko, and on the southeast by the Wanchet which separates it from the Semien Shewa Zone.Towns in Were Ilu include Kabe, Were Ilu and Weyin Amba; a historic landmark is Mekane Selassie, the site of a church destroyed by Imam Ahmad Gragn.The woreda of Legahida was separated from Were Ilu.