Description

JG Kohl's account of Ireland in 1844 gives us a glimpse of the years after Catholic Emancipation and before the Irish Famine. His journey took him through the four provinces. Part Two takes him to Tarbet, Tralee, Killarney, Bantry, Cork, Kilkenny and Waterford. As a German traveller he makes insightful comparisons, not only with the British mainland, but with other parts of Europe. He visits isolated settlements, hedge schools, Killarney and meets the gentry, traders, fisherman and small farmers along the way. He comments on their struggles, lifestyles, habits, transport and customs. He examines the development of food processing in Cork and the export trade of Waterford. He revels in the beauty of the rivers that flow into the southern harbours of Ireland and discusses at length three great Irish passions of the time - horse racing, temperance and repeal. A wonderful resource for local historians and those of Irish descent who want to know how their ancestors lived. Footnotes and an index have been added.