Summary: 17th Century
Key dates:
The plantation in Ulster, which began in 1609-10, brought more English methods to this part of Ireland. Much of the land was devoted to the rearing of sheep to cater for England’s expanding woollen trade. This meant that large sections of land became enclosed in English fashion also.
By 1685 Irish farmers had turned from beef production to dairying and sheep farming. This also meant that butter and wool became pillars of the prosperity which Ulster farmers began to enjoy.
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