The Performance of the Economy of Ireland before 1922

The Performance of the Economy of Ireland before 1922

Ireland is a small country, an island to the west of Britain, which in turn is a somewhat larger and much more densely populated island to the west of mainland Europe. The island consists of two political units, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. The division of the island into two political units, and hence two economies, dates from 1922. This piece will provide a broad historical background to the economy from the late seventeenth century to 1922.

2.1. Growth and Early Industrialisation: 1690-1815
The Economy in 1690
At the time of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 the Irish economy was predominantly rural, although it was no longer a ‘woodland’ society. Population stood at a little under two million, roughly double the level of a century before. With the spread of population the forest cover was rapidly disappearing, giving way to both grazing and tilling. The largest town, Dubl...