Dungarvan

Asenath Nicholson
1847
Chapter VII (9) | Start of Chapter

At seven we reached the flourishing sea-port of Dungarvan; flourishing it might be, at least, if such a harbor were anywhere but in poor Ireland. The houses are built with considerable regard to taste, and the population had the appearance of more comfort than in many towns of Ireland; but the same complaint of poor price for labor, and the same inquiry, "Do ye think we shall get the repale?" saluted me from all to whom I spoke.

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.