The impact of the Great Famine on Sir William Palmer's estates in Mayo, 1840-69

David Byrne

This book examines the impact of the Famine on Sir William Palmer’s Mayo estates, one of the largest in the county. It describes the estates’ social and economic structures, and its tenants’ living conditions and experiences before, during and after the Famine. It explores the relationship Lord Palmer, an absentee landlord, had with his tenants and the influence and control he had on the locality, its politics and the lives of the community on his estates. 

David Byrne (1962-2019), a native of Dublin, was a teacher who taught in Dundrum (Dublin), Brussels and Lucan. He loved Mayo and stayed there frequently throughout each year. He enjoyed engaging with students learning history, and particularly liked leading groups on field visits exploring Mayo’s past.