Statistical Survey of the County of Donegal : With Observations on the Means of Improvement; Drawn Up in the Year 1801, for the Consideration, and Under the Direction, the Dublin of Die Dublin (Classic Reprint)

Unlock a window into early 19th‑century Ireland's countryside and economy.

This historical report surveys Donegal’s land, people, and farming methods, offering a rare look at how a regional society tracked progress and considered improvement over two centuries ago.

Originally prepared in 1801 and published in 1802, the work presents foundational observations on soil, climate, agriculture, and rural life. It blends geography with practical farming knowledge, detailing how farmers used lime, dung, and irrigation, and how leases, tolls, and tithe shaped rural livelihoods. Although written long ago, the text provides a vivid portrait of a county negotiating change and seeking means of growth.

• Discover how early surveyors categorized soil, pasture types, and natural grasses across mountain and champain regions.
• Learn about farming practices of the era, including crops, haymaking, feeding, and the role of manures and lime in land improvement.
• Explore recommendations for agricultural surveys, education, and infrastructure as paths to economic progress.
• See historical context for land tenures, tenancy, and the administration of local governance in Donegal.

Ideal for readers of historical geography, economic history, and early modern Ireland, this edition offers context for how past surveys guided rural development and policy.