Those with east Cork farming links dating back through the generations may be interested in checking if their ancestors supplied barley to Midleton Distillery in the 1800s.
Irish Distillers has partnered with Ancestry to publish historic barley purchase records from James Murphy & Co at Midleton Distillery.
The collection spans three ledgers from 1825 to 1834, documenting barley purchases from east Cork farmers during the pre-famine period.
Carol Quinn, head of archives at Irish Distillers, said it is possible that some farming families listed are still supplying Midleton.
“As they capture a pre-Famine period, these may be the only surviving records of some individuals.
“It is very possible that descendants of the farming families recorded in these volumes still live and work in the area today and may even continue to supply barley to Midleton Distillery,” she said.
Farm history
Irish Distillers said these volumes record the names of local farmers who supplied the distillery in its early years, along with the quantities of barley sold.
The ledgers offer an insight into the early history of Midleton Distillery and the farming communities that supported the production of Irish whiskey, it added.
“Beyond the names, the ledgers provide a rare snapshot of community life before the Famine, even recording the names of female farmers who were leading households and managing farms across east Cork.”
The barley purchase books date back to the foundation of Midleton Distillery, marking its 200th year this year.
The records, which were made available in recent days, will be accessible for free for a short time only. They can be accessed for free until 29 September on ancestry.ie.
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