Before the Famine the population of Ireland was 8.2 million. As we have read, 1.2 million emigrated during the Famine and it is estimated that about another million died of starvation and disease. The people who died were mostly the cottiers and the farm labourers from the western half of Ireland. Three fifths of those who died during the Famine were under 10 years of age or over 60. Even after the famine had ended, the population continued to decline. By 1901 the population of Ireland had fallen to 4.6 million. The areas where the Irish language was spoken were worst hit by death and emigration. Emigration and the subsequent decline in the use of the Irish language continued after the Famine.
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HISTORICAL EMPATHY Write about what it was like to be a cottier in the west of Ireland during the Famine. Use the following headings as a guide: (a) Food (b) Accommodation (c) Work (d) Emigration (e) Starvation, disease and death
Looking at the evidence
This map of Ireland shows the percentage decrease in population between 1841 and 1851. 1. What counties of Ireland had the greatest level of population decrease?
2. Which areas of Ireland had a population increase?
3. Why do you think that these areas had a population increase?