Life in Ireland During the 1950s
By Ellen Butler
Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle is set in 1958 Ireland, not far from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. The idea for the novel’s setting—and its murder—was sparked during my 2023 trip to Ireland. As part of crafting an Ariadne Winter mystery, I immersed myself in researching what life was like in Ireland during the 1950s.
The 1950s was a decade of transition for Ireland, marked by cultural tradition and a slow but steady shift toward modernity. Horse-drawn gypsy carts—often referred to as Traveller wagons or vardos—were still a familiar sight on Ireland’s rural roads. Travelling families moved from place to place, stopping at small towns to trade goods and sell handcrafted items such as tins, baskets, and ornaments. Though often remembered as a time of economic hardship and emigration, daily life in Ireland during this era was also deeply rooted in family, faith, and community. During our vacation, we found those values remain the same today.
Unfortunately, for many Irish families, the 1950s was defined by departure. Following WWII, economic stagnation and a lack of job opportunities drove thousands of young men and women to emigrate, in particular to Britain and the United States. Rural towns often felt the loss most acutely, as sons and daughters left the family farm for better prospects abroad. Letters home carried news of new lives, while monies sent back provided much-needed financial support to the family remaining on the home front.