Continuity and Change in Rural Ireland

Abstract

In recent decades Ireland has undergone significant economic, social and cultural change. Many of these processes have had significant impacts on rural areas. Agriculture is of declining significance as a source of employment while tourism is becoming increasingly important as an income generator for many rural areas. While depopulation continues to occur in many places, others have seen significant increases due to counter-urbanisation and related phenomena. These processes have effected social and economic change in rural areas and these have been reflected in the rural development agenda. In particular, there is now a recognition of the more diverse nature of rural places. The increasing ‘Europeanisation’ of the rural development agenda mirrors broader trends within Ireland. However, while the country in general experiences the so-called ‘Celtic Tiger’ phenomenon and a plethora of rural development programmes have been implemented, for many people and places (both urban and rural) older deepseated processes of marginalisation and exclusion continue to be the norm.