Market-day in Loughrea

Asenath Nicholson
1847
Chapter IX (14) | Start of Chapter

November 7th.—A market day in Connaught, and a great curiosity indeed to a stranger; because not only are all sorts of men, women, and children congregated of the lower caste, but there all sorts of people bring all sorts of creatures and things with them, in all sorts of conveyances.

I had an opportunity of seeing this peculiar class of people in a true light as they are at home, for where buying and selling are concerned, you see the man in his real character. "It is nought, it is nought, says the buyer," while the seller protests it's the finest and choicest in the kingdom; and report has said that a Connaughtman loves money.

Ireland’s Welome to the Stranger is one of the best accounts of Irish social conditions, customs, quirks and habits that you could wish for. The author, Mrs Asenath Nicholson, was an American widow who travelled extensively in Ireland on the eve of the Great Famine and meticulously observed the Irish peasantry at work and play, as well as noting their living conditions and diet. The book is also available from Kindle.