Explore a detailed 18th‑century view of County Clare’s farming, living standards, and paths to improvement.
This comprehensive survey collects practical observations, questions, and data drawn up under the direction of the Dublin Society. It sheds light on how land, labor, and local customs shaped life in Clare, with an emphasis on how to grow productivity and well‑being in rural Ireland. The work offers a window into agricultural practices, economic conditions, and the social context of the period, making it a useful reference for researchers and curious readers alike.
Two short paragraphs frame the scope and value:
- The book documents the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers, laborers, and landowners. It discusses topics such as turf cutting, manure, drainage, and the management of estates, with an eye toward practical improvement.
- It includes observations on diets, clothing, wages, and everyday life, painting a vivid portrait of the county’s communities while suggesting approaches to increase efficiency, health, and prosperity.
- Boldly usable findings you’ll encounter:
- How land, tenancy, and premiums influenced farming decisions and living standards
- Descriptions of crops, livestock, and the balance of potatoes, milk, and other staples
- Notes on wages, task work, and the economics of rural labor
- Practical ideas for drainage, enclosure, lime, and building improvements to uplift farms
Ideal for readers of historical agriculture, local Irish history, and studies in 18th‑century economic life, this edition connects past efforts to modern questions about land and community development. It is a rich, accessible source for anyone curious about how a county tried to grow better farming and a better life for its people.