The Irish Statistical Survey was carried out under the direction of the Royal Dublin Society. Each county was surveyed with the aim of determining the ‘actual state, capabilities and defects of agriculture, manufactures and rural economy’. In practice the surveys contained a vast quantity of local information on almost every aspect of the county surveyed. Because these studies were carried out under central direction the quality of the information provided is good, and given their early date, they remain an invaluable source for the study of each county. They record many details about conditions in pre-Famine Ireland, including social and economic conditions, the growth of population and poverty, education, religion, history, the Irish language and local customs.

The Cork survey was published in 1810. It covers the entire county, barony by barony, treating all of the main topics in 896 pages. This includes a detailed full colour map of the county. The study ends with an extended conclusion on the main problems towards the advancement of Cork. In the author’s opinion education was the key, both to bring better agricultural methods as well as to civilise the wealthier farmers and tradesmen! 



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