The CSO’s Historical Statistics Recovery (HSR) initiative is focused on digitising and making accessible historical data from various sources, including the Census of Ireland, 1911. The key objectives of the project, which has been running since 2022 are focused around the pillars of digitisation, accessibility and analysis.
The HSR team have published a series titled Stories from Census on the CSO website which chooses themes from the census and brings to life this treasure trove of data, provide fascinating insights in to Wealth and Poverty and Literacy in Ireland in 1911.
Exploring wealth and poverty in Ireland’s 1911 Census
The 1911 Census of Ireland offers a fascinating glimpse into the socio-economic landscape of the country over a century ago. The digitised reports reveal stark contrasts in wealth across different regions, highlighting the disparities between the wealthiest and poorest areas.
The wealthiest areas were predominantly located in Leinster, with 17 of the top 20 wealthiest DEDs found in this region. Conversely, Connaught had 11 of the 20 poorest DEDs, with Donegal having the highest number of poorest DEDs, totalling eight.
Meath: the wealthiest county
Meath emerged as the wealthiest county, with a valuation per person of £8.51. The wealthiest District Electoral Division (DED) within Meath was Culmullin, boasting a valuation per person of £20.97. The Gaisford household in Culmullin lived in a grand house with 21 rooms and 13 outhouses, employing three servants. This snapshot of affluence paints a picture of the privileged lifestyle enjoyed by some in early 20th-century Ireland.
Mayo: the poorest county
In stark contrast, Mayo was the poorest county, with a valuation per person of £1.68. Annagary in Glenties, Donegal, was identified as the poorest DED, with a valuation per person of just £0.23. The Duffy household in Annagary lived in a modest house with two rooms and one outhouse, with a roof made of thatch, wood, or other perishable materials. This highlights the challenging living conditions faced by many in the western seaboard.
Exploring literacy in Ireland’s 1911 Census
The 1911 Census of Ireland provides a detailed look at literacy rates across the country, revealing significant regional disparities. The digitised reports highlight the differences between the most and least literate areas, offering valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of the time. Literacy has a profound impact on individuals and communities. Higher literacy rates are often associated with better economic opportunities, improved health outcomes, and greater civic engagement. Literate individuals are more likely to secure employment, access information, and participate in societal activities. Conversely, low literacy rates can limit opportunities and perpetuate cycles of poverty and social exclusion.
Literacy by county
Counties in the East and North-East of Ireland boasted the highest literacy rates, while those in the West had the lowest. This geographical divide underscores the varying access to education and resources across the country.
Literacy by District Electoral Division (DED)
The areas around Tipperary, Dublin, and the North-East had the highest literacy rates, with 11 of the top 20 DEDs located in Leinster and 7 in Ulster. Down had the highest number of highly literate DEDs, with five in the top 20. Conversely, the West of Ireland, particularly Connaught, had the lowest literacy rates. Galway stood out with 13 of the 20 least literate DEDs, followed by Donegal with five.
Comparative examples
The contrast between Donaghadee Urban DED in Down and Lettermore DED in Galway is striking. Donaghadee Urban had a literacy rate of 99.7%, with only five illiterate individuals out of a population of 1,797 aged nine years and over. In stark contrast, Lettermore had a literacy rate of just 38.8%, with 614 illiterate individuals out of a population of 1,003 aged nine years and over.
Household examples
The Louden household in Donaghadee Urban DED exemplifies the high literacy rates in the area. All members of the household, except the youngest child, were able to read and write. The family lived in a house with nine rooms, indicating a relatively comfortable living situation.
On the other hand, the O’Toole household in Lettermore DED highlights the challenges faced by those in less literate areas. None of the family members could read, and they spoke only Irish. Their house had just one room, with a roof made of thatch, wood, or other perishable materials.
These findings from the 1911 Census provide a unique opportunity to explore the socio-economic conditions of Ireland at the time. The digitisation of these [reports/tables] s as part of the Historical Statistics Recovery (HSR) initiative ensures that this important historical data is preserved and accessible for future generations. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a genealogy researcher, or simply curious about Ireland’s past, the 1911 Census data offers a rich and engaging resource to explore.
Stories from Census 1911: Wealth and Poverty – Central Statistics Office
Stories from Census 1911: Literacy – Central Statistics Office