On Friday 5th April, Dr. Aine Sheehan gave an informative talk on the economics of empire and how markets and fairs in 19th century Ireland were about so much more than just selling produce. They have always been social hubs of rural Ireland, but Dr. Sheehan shows how they were also the connection points linking rural harvests to international trade.

Through Local Government records, Dr. Sheehan made the global local and shone a light on the surprising connections between grassroots communities and the broader social, political and economic developments of Imperial Britain.

For those who were not able to make it, we have made the talk available as a podcast.

We would like to thank Áine Sheehan for her informative talk at the Military Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks.