Farm life images from a “Big House” estate in Ireland in 1900

Ever wondered what life living and working on an old estate in Ireland was like? These pictures give us a glimpse into the day-to-day work undertaken by the Irish people for those living in the Big House.

IrishCentral Staff

Apr 27, 2018

A glimpse into the Irish “Big House” and those who worked on country estates.

Unless your family were among the landed gentry or were fortunate enough to own their own farm, many of our Irish ancestors would have worked in the employ of the local “Big House,” the large estates located in almost every community in Ireland that held the country’s most wealthy families.

A mother and children in the yard. Image: Dillon Family/National Library of Ireland

From people working in the kitchens to working on the upkeep of the estate, every day was filled with ensuring the estate ran smoothly while the family enjoyed their large home and roaming gardens.

A man carrying creel. Image: Dillon Family/National Library of Ireland

Transporting pigs in a horse and cart. Image: Dillon Family/National Library of Ireland

These photos, in particular, are taken from the Dillon Family who provided the Clonbrock Collection to the National Library of Ireland.

Dipping sheep. Image: Dillon Family/National Library of Ireland

Image: Dillon Family/National Library of Ireland

It includes over 2,000 glass plates spanning the years 1860-1930 which were mainly taken by the Dillon family, Barons Clonbrock, of Ahascragh, Co. Galway, a family of enthusiastic amateur photographers.