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 Donegal survey was carried out by James McParlan, a medical doctor,
published in 1802. It covers all of the main topics as well as an extensive
treatment of the reasons for the poor condition of many of the rural population,
which he firmly blames on the excessive production of whiskey! This book is
exceptionally important for Donegal, where information is sparse for the early
nineteenth century.
