Irish history

Cottage Industry in Post Medieval Ireland by Liam Downey, Muiris O’Sullivan, Dara Downey, Derry O’Donovan.

Published by Wordwell Ltd, €25

Since his retirement as director of Teagasc, Liam Downey has produced a number of books ranging from archaeology to this, his latest on Cottage Industry in Post Medieval Ireland, roughly from the late 1600s to modern times.

Dr Downey’s latest book gives an invaluable insight into how farm-based products allowed the development of industries, some of which became large, modern industrial enterprises while others have almost disappeared.

The range of products that spawned the cottage industries of the 17th to 19th century was significant. Details are given and the history traced in the case of wool, linen, leather, lace, butter, kelp, charcoal, alcohol, turf and linen. In addition, there were more localised stone and marble carving, as well as carpet making and specialised wood carving and cabinet making enterprises.

While we may think of trade tariffs as a modern phenomenon, they were serious impositions on various sectors before the Act of Union in 1800. This subsequent removal followed by the agricultural depression following the Napoleonic Wars in the 1820s coupled with the repeal of the Corn Laws and the industrialisation in Britain, all contributed to a greater focus on livestock farming and a switch to growth in urban centres and disadvantaged the artisan economy.

Dr Downey and his fellow authors give a fascinating account of the various cottage industries and how they have grown in some cases or almost disappeared in others.

The book has excellent photographs and illustrations which will serve as a permanent record of equipment and locations that are now part of our history. It also has invaluable references of works previously published which will guide those who want further information on a particular point, process or product.

It is an invaluable contribution to both understanding and appreciating rural history and economic development.

Cottage Industry in Post Medieval Ireland, €25.00, wordwellbooks.com