Ablation electrode assemblies having a longitudinal axis include an electrode core member an electrode shell and an irrigant distribution element. The electrode core member comprises a thermal insulator and has a first end a second end and at least one irrigation passageway. The electrode shell comprises an electrically conductive material, defines an inner volume, and has a first end and a second end. The second end of the electrode shell is configured for connection to the first end of the electrode core member. The electrode shell is sufficiently flexible for deflection of the distal end of the electrode shell relative to the longitudinal axis of the ablation electrode assembly. The irrigant distribution assembly comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the irrigant distribution element defines a circumferential irrigation port between the irrigant distribution element and the electrode core member.
