For generations the Irish farm has been a way of life, anchoring communities, shaping traditions and instilling values passed down through the furrows of time. Rooted in fertile soil and a favourable climate, Ireland’s farming heritage runs deep, tied to the rhythm of the seasons and the enduring bond between farmers and the land.

In this richly illustrated book, the bestselling duo of Michael B. Barry and John O’Byrne bring the story of the Irish farm vividly to life, from the late nineteenth century to the close of the twentieth. Through over 200 colourised photographs, the book captures the hardship and the humour, and the toil and the togetherness of life on the land.

A heartfelt celebration of the Irish countryside and those who shaped it is a tribute to the fields, the families and the fierce resilience at the heart of rural Ireland.

Michael B. Barry is a historian and author of many books.

John O’Byrne is a professional photographer and colouriser, specialising in colourising military scenes from the early twentieth century. Their first collaboration, The Irish Civil War in Colour, was a bestseller and nominated for Best Irish-Published Book of the Year at the 2022 An Post Irish Book Awards.