Remembering the Ireland We Once Knew

For generations, the potato was at the heart of Irish family life. When harvest time came, the whole family could be involved — lifting, gathering, sorting and carrying the potatoes home.

Using simple tools such as the spade and potato fork, the potatoes were carefully lifted from the drills and gathered into baskets and sacks.

Neighbours often helped one another, and children played their part too. Potato harvesting was hard work, but it was also a time for stories, laughter and community.

The good potatoes were stored carefully for the winter, while damaged ones could be set aside for the animals.

In many parts of Ireland, children were even given time away from school to help with the harvest — remembered as “potato holidays.”

From the field to the winter store, every pair of hands helped bring the harvest home.

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