What is inside?

The Irish Statistical Survey was carried out under the direction of the Royal Dublin Society. Each county was surveyed with the aim of determining the 'actual state, capabilities and defects of agriculture, manufactures and rural economy'. In practice the surveys contained a vast quantity of local information on almost every aspect of the county surveyed. Because these studies were carried out under central direction the quality of the information provided is good, and given their early date, they remain an invaluable source for the study of each county. They record many details about conditions in pre-Famine Ireland, including social and economic conditions, the growth of population and poverty, education, religion, history, the Irish language and local customs. McParlan's Survey of Co. Mayo is especially useful for the study of all social and economic conditions in County Mayo at this time. As a medical doctor he was particularly sensitive to the plight of the poor. His over all remarks concerning Mayo are very positive in almost all respects. He gives an extended treatment for what he calls the 'half barony of Erris' being Belmullet peninsula and the sounding area. He also covers in some detail local customs of the general population. In short this is an essential resource for those studying Mayo and its people.

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