Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Potatos

Irish Potatos

Black 47 - a Look at the Irish Famine

In the early decades of the nineteenth century, Irish people were growing and consuming the potato - an abundant and healthy food which yielded more per acre than any other grain crop. It was an ideal crop as it enabled farmers to produce grain purely as a cash crop and charge higher rents, nor did they need to pay labourers, they were satisfied with a patch of ground on which to grow potatoes for themselves. Those who managed to possess sizeable portions were able to sub-let portions of land, fathers subdivided holdings to provide for their sons. Even landless men benefited as they reclaimed mountain land and bog and sowed the hardy potato. The population boomed, from five million in 1800 to over eight million in 1841. However this rapidly increasing population was insecure, only seven per cent of holdings were over thirty acres and forty-five per cent were under five. In addition, over two-thirds of the population were dependant on agriculture for a living, their survival depended on the continued prosperity of the potato. The potato cannot be stored like grain, so if anything were to happen to the harvest there would follow immediate disaster. In 1845, a potato blight began to spread across Ireland, by 1846 the blight was throughout the country. To compound the problem, the British authorities did not provide widespread relief nor did they bear any of the costs. In addition the winter of 1846 was one of the worst in living memory. Hungry mobs roamed the countryside, pouring into the over-crowded relief works. By February 1847, the country was in complete chaos, covered in snow, bombarded by mighty gales, the hungry masses being ravaged by a fever epidemic. People began to leave the country in their droves, boarding the over-crowded ’coffin-ships’ bound for America, Canada and England. By 1851, one million had emigrated and another million had perished.

About the Author

Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland. Article source: http://www.exploringireland.net

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Portal 2 PotatOS Science Kit $19.99 * Science Kit to make your very own PotatOS * Lights up and talks when assembled * Features 17 audio clips from Portal 2 * Officially licensed Portal 2 collectible * For ages 14+ * Potato not included Have a little science fair of your own and turn this passive potato into a spunky spud. The Portal 2 PotatOS Science kit includes: 1 main PotatOS unit, 2 tall wire guides, 2 round head pins, 3 rubber bands, 6 v-shaped staples, mini science fair poster with content from Valve's writing team and instructions. Please note: Do NOT eat potato after using it for potatOS.

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Portal 2 PotatOs Science Kit $24.99 Some of your fondest memories from Portal 2 were of carrying PotatOS around the testing facility. You felt so close to her; it was almost like you two were friends. If you missed the children's Science Fair at Aperture Labs, no worries! The Portal 2 PotatOS Science Kit packages nearly everything you need. The science kit even includes a miniature science fair poster with brand new content from Valve's writing team! Sure, you might have to track down your own potato, but it should be easy enough to come by. Press a button on the PotatOS unit and you'll hear 1 of 17 audio clips meant to crush your fragile ego. The yellow light blinks when PotatOS speaks. Yes, this thing really works! The Portal 2 PotatOS Science Kit includes 1 main PotatOS unit, 2 tall wire guides, 2 round head pins, 3 rubber bands, 6 U-shaped staples, instructions, and a miniature science fair poster. Get yourself this officially licensed Portal product today! Ages 18 and up.

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Irish $10 Irish

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Irish Whiskey Loaf $24.99 Ultra moist and delectable, this favorite Irish treat is filled with raisins, pecans, and real Irish whiskey. 17 oz. USA.

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Green with Irish $10.99 These green with white shamrock socks show that you're Irish from the tip of your toes to your knees! Organic Cotton and Spandex. One size first most. USA.

Best Irish Folk Songs $10.99 These ever-popular songs include Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Black Velvet Band, and 17 other Irish favorites. Canada.

Musical Irish Dancer $29.99 This Irish lass will dance her way into your heart! Dressed in traditional Irish costume the 7? figurine is adorned with shamrocks and plays ?Irish Lullaby?. Please state name up to 24 characters. Poly Resin. Dancer must be screwed in counter clockwise to top of base.

Irish Limp T-Shirt $17.99 This famous Irish blessing captures cheeky Irish wit at its finest! Printed in USA. 100% cotton. Sizes S (35), M (38), L (43), XL (47), 2XL (50), 3XL (54).

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