GEORGIAN IRELAND

Ireland under the Hanoverian kings, George I, II, and III, was a colonial society dominated by a minority whose position was entirely dependent on the support of the English government, and in which religious disabilities severely restricted the social advancement of and even the proper adherence to religious practices by the majority. However, it was also a society of remarkable creativity and development, at least for the ruling elite. The existence today of a Georgian Society committed to the preservation of the architectural masterpieces of the era is evidence of the period's accomplishment. Urban development was especially noteworthy; most prominently in Dublin, which was viewed as the second city of the British Empire after London, and, as its population grew, broad new boulevards were laid out and extensive and magnificent buildings were constructed, including the House of Parliament, the Four Courts, and the Customs House, all of which remain as central sights of the contemporary city. There was extensive road building, canal construction, and river drainage, which fostered economic development in spite of the mercantile restrictions imposed by England. Evidence of the wealth that was amassed, at least by some, were the numerous palatial residences built throughout the country-

Side by the ruling elite, comparable to what was being done by their counterparts in England.

Other noted cultural features of the era included the first public performance of Handel's The Messiah in Dublin in 1741, the formation in 1750 of the Dublin Society, which would become the Royal Dublin Society, to encourage horticulture, agriculture, and animal breeding, the formation of the Rotunda Maternity Hospital in 1756, and the founding of the Guinness Brewery in 1759.

The virtual doubling of the population in the period, despite penal legislation, severe famine, and disease between 1725 and 1745, and elitist domination of landownership, suggest that some degree of well-being did trickle down to what would be called "Hidden Ireland," that is, the Catholics.

However, there was an ugly side to Georgian Ireland that often accompanied the architectural and material splendor. Many among the landed wealthy were completely irresponsible in their attitude toward their land for which they sought only rental income. They paid minimal attention to improvements. Their personal conduct displayed the worst features of nouveau riche extravagance and coarseness. Dueling was a common practice. Abusive treatment of women, including kidnapping of prospective mates with fortunes, was frequent. Naturally, there was an inordinate consumption of alcohol.