TALKS MILESTONES IN 19TH CENTURY IRISH HISTORY: WHEN THE POTATOES FAILED

Event Description

TALKS
MILESTONES IN 19TH CENTURY IRISH HISTORY
A new series of talks by local historian, S Alex Blair

In this series of talks, Mr S Alex Blair selects a further four topics which produced significant change in Ireland and had special interest for local people.

WHEN THE POTATOES FAILED
The potato is still an enjoyable part of the diet of most Irish people. In the 19th century it was the staple, giving them the essentials for life. When the crop failed for a number of years in succession, in the 1840s, the result was hunger, starvation, disease and death.

It was the great watershed in 19th century Irish history and its immediate and long-term consequences were immense. Ireland was never the same again and it affected the political, cultural, social and economic life of the country.

The topic is a huge one and Mr Blair’s talk will try to deal with what happened across the country and the profound effect it had, continuing even to the present day. There is trauma, emotion and great distress but, when it was over, it provided a fresh start for some and for others, a bitterness, in a foreign land, which was hard to overcome.

This talk is presented in partnership with Cultural Crossings, which is promoted by the Provost of the Coleraine Campus, University of Ulster, in partnership with Causeway Coast Arts

All talks take place in Ballymoney Town Hall at 8pm. Admission £2 includes refreshments.