Selling wool in the markets in the 1900's

Market Day Ireland

Throughout the centuries, once or twice a week in Ireland the market served as an exchange centre for a surrounding rural area. The produce on offer ranged from butter, oats and wheat to cattle, horses and sheep. Many of the fairs graduated to monthly occurrences by the mid nineteenth century. The significance of the Fair Day (Lá Aonaigh) was not to be underestimated in rural Ireland. People came from miles around to buy and sell their animals either in the main street or in the market square of almost every town in Ireland. Sheep were sold at the fair for their meat and wool. From the earliest of times fibres from this wool have played a vital role in human life.

West Cork Fair Day early 1900's

Kenmare Fair 1980's

Sheep Shearing 

Shearing is the removal of fleece from the sheep and is essential for the health and hygiene of the animal. As long as there are sheep, shearing must be practiced.

Shorn Sheep Kenmare Co. Kerry