Six photos of Ireland at Christmas over the last 150 years

The National Library of Ireland have kindly sent us a collection of fantastic photos of Christmas in Ireland, stretching from 1930 right back to the mid-1800s.

Take a look at all six below, including the descriptions the NLI give for each image.

1. Christmas goodies in 1930

Artistic display of meat products from Irish Co-operative Meat Ltd., Waterford to tempt the palate in the run up to Christmas 1930. So we have sausages, black and white pudding (or maybe brawn?), and lard. The packaging on the lard proudly declares that it is "guaranteed perfectly pure" and "untouched by human hand". It cost 1/6.

2. Christmas tree horse and cart in 1929

Great Christmas advertising for William Power Seed Merchants of O'Connell Street, Waterford. Not too sure what's going on with the man at leading the horse, but he does not look happy! Maybe he wanted to be in the driving seat?

3. Carts of turkeys in 1907 Waterford

Wonder what mechanism was used to stop them flapping their way to freedom...

4. Frozen fountain in Dublin, c.1890s

This photo was taken somewhere in Dublin, though I'm not recognising the "hindquarters" that statue. It'd be really great to know where it is…

5. The Powerscourt Waterfall (taken circa 1860-1883

The waterfall at Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow.

6. Clonbrock House in Galway, 10 December 1880

A beautiful and festive scene from the grounds of Clonbrock House, Ahascragh, Co. Galway. We don't know whether the man with the rifle was a member of the Dillon family who owned Clonbrock Estate or a gamekeeper on the estate.