An annual index of Irish industrial production, 1840-1913

Abstract

We present the Irish industrial data available for the years 1800-1921, and construct an annual index of Irish industrial output for 1840-1913. We also construct a new industrial price index. Post-Famine industrial growth was slightly slower than previously thought, at 1.1 per cent per annum between 1851 and 1913. While per capita industrial growth was largely due to capital accumulation and technological change, rather than solely reflecting emigration, Ireland’s industrial performance was very disappointing when considered in a comparative perspective.