Births are not recorded in either the 1841 or the 1851 census. However,
the number of children less
than one year old is recorded as a separate figure. These figures are
most important as they are the
only record of population at that particular age in those times.
We know also the mortality rate for children under one year old and
may therefore make a fair
calculation of the number of births which took place in those years.
We also know, less precisely,
the number of children by age who survived into 1851.
Here is a table of births I deduced from this information:
| year | births |
| 1841 | 211674 |
| 1842 | 211674 |
| 1843 | 214674 |
| 1844 | 211674 |
| 1845 | 211674 |
| 1846 | 208674 |
| 1847 | 198674 |
| 1848 | 178674 |
| 1849 | 168674 |
| 1850 | 131674 |
And here are some graphs showing the total population.
graph
of total population 1841-1851
graph
of population by age 1841
graph
of population by age 1851, actual, and calculated from 1841.
The total population recorded in June 1841 was 8,175,124.
the total population in March 1851 was 6,552,386.
The population had decreased by 1,622,738 or 19.8%
It is possible to deduce from the age profile of 1841 that some calamity
occurred around 1820,
and that this caused a significant loss of life. It is recorded that
the potato crop failed in 1822
with famine in the west and south of Ireland. Potatoes cost 8d per
stone.
In April 1846, potatoes cost 11d per stone. A labourer's wages were
between 7.5 and 9d per
day.
