The West of Ireland

Here are presented the eight chapters relating to County Mayo of Henry Coulter book 'The West of Ireland: Its Existing Condition and Prospects', first published in 1862. It offers local historians and genealogists access to this important historic source related to Cong, Ballinrobe, Westport, Castlebar, Belmullet and Ballina and the surrounding districts of Mayo. It reports on poor harvests and the prospect of impending famine and state of agriculture and trade. It gives a contemporary account of landlords, gombeen men, high rents and evictions. It is a rich and authentic source for those interested in the history of Mayo and the lives and circumstances of any Mayo ancestors they may have. This edition has been enhanced by the inclusion of an index and extensive footnotes not found in the original or in other scanned editions of the book.