Summary Results from the 2022 Census of Ireland show Kerry’s population as 156,458. Compare this to the population of Kerry in 1891– It was 179,136.
We can see clearly in the excerpt here from the Census of Ireland 1891 – a comparison from 1821 to 1891. This shows us where our population peaked in 1841 when we had 293,880 persons recorded in county Kerry. This is remarkable when you think that in 1841 we had just a few towns, each with a very small population. The vast majority of the people recorded in Kerry were scattered throughout the rural areas, most living then in 4th class houses. Just four years later, we were visited by the Great Famine with devastating consequences of death and emigration. We had a decrease of 55,626 people (18.9%) in 1851 – a shocking almost 19% of our population had emigrated or died – and that is not taking into account continuing births over those ten years.
Improvements were noted in 1891 in the number of families living in 4th class house. Now reduced to 2319 houses and 14,350 families in 3rd class houses.
Important data showing how life changed so dramatically in 19th century Kerry. Thank you for sharing this important information .
Kay- While my best buddy Mister Binx was sitting with me this morning in our living room in Maine (moved here in June) I received your email alert. So, I revisited your body of work…all 79 pages. Well done!
It might be time to pick up research again!! Thanks for the inspiration.
Excellent work Kay. Wouldn’t it be great if we could view those Census records showing names and addresses. Tnx a million.
Mike.
I must thank you VERY much for posting the link to the 1891 Census data by Barony, Parish, and Townland.
I had previously found evidence of my gg-grandfather (John Healy) and two of his siblings (Hanora/Honora and Daniel Healy) via baptismal records in the RC Parish of Abbeydorney, in 1839, 1836, and 1843, respectively.
The Census data provided new information about the townlands where the family lived when these 3 children were baptized …
The parish register showed location information for John and Hanora of Aulane, with Daniel showing Knockane.
I was surprised (not sure why!) to see that the schedule showed Aulanebane and Aulaneduff in Killahan Civil Parish, and Knockane in Ballyheigue Civil Parish … for some reason, I had previously thought or assumed these townlands were part of O’Dorney Civil Parish.
Thank you again for providing the link!
“4th class houses” That’s the first time I’ve seen that expression used to describe a mud cabin.
My great grandparents became free holders of their farm in 1891, I’m still living and working on it.
Absolutely fascinating statistics in the document..