Quare Days and Fair Days: Memories of Irvinestown

Between 1903 and 1914 the Wyndham Act of 1903 resulted in the transfer of nine million acres of land in Ireland from landlord to tenant. In 1908 ma group of enterprising traders in Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh had the foresight to recognise the benefits to be gained by purchasing various tenancies and the rights to monthly fairs and market. Fourteen of them, seven Catholics and seven Protestants came together and, borrowing GBP650 from the bank, they negotiated the purchase of these lands. So began the long and dedicated service of Irvinestown Fairs and Market Trustees. This book looks at the work of the trustees, and their wide-ranging economic, environmental and social legacies. But at the heart of any community are the people - the neighbours and the characters who are remembered with affection. Quare Days and Fair Days is a compilation of memories and photographs which were gathered during the Irvinestown Fairs and Market Trustees centenary year, 2008.