The study of Irish economic history

Abstract

The subject of this evening's paper is not one which has frequently attracted the attention of members of this society. This is regrettable in many ways. Often a proper treatment of disease is impossible without an adequate history of the patient. Economic problems cannot be solved unless economic history is studied. Yet Irish economic history, in the full sense of the word, is still unwritten. A few pioneers have dealt with special periods, or with isolated aspects of the subject. But the main work still remains untouched, awaiting perhaps some Lecky of the future. Perhaps in the meantime it may be of interest to indicate briefly what the study of this somewhat neglected subject might reveal, and in how many ways it might help those whose efforts aim at the amelioration of the conditions of life in this country.