The Public having required a third Edition of these “Sketches of Irish Character,” I have been called upon to prepare it – to revise the stories originally published, and to add several new; and the publishers have given to them the advantage of very beautiful illustrations.

The “Sketches” chiefly refer to one locality – the parish of Bannow, on the sea-coast of the County of Wexford – my native place, where the earlier years of my life were passed. The world has little interest in the personal feelings of a writer; but my readers will, I hope, permit me to say that my first impressions of Ireland were derived from the very favourable circumstances under which I was placed; for, in this neighbourhood, there was, comparatively, none of the poverty, and consequent wretchedness, to be encountered, unhappily, elsewhere. I have so frequently dwelt upon its almost exclusive privileges and peculiar features, in these “Sketches,” as to render it unnecessary for me to preface them although, no doubt, the happy associations, connected with them, have made both appear brighter, in my eyes, than they may seem to others. It is certain, however, that this district of the County of Wexford is superior to any other part of the south of Ireland. Its landlord is not an absentee; he is surrounded by an attached and a prosperous tenantry; the land is naturally rich, and facilities for improving it are many.

The Baronies of Bargy and Forth, in the former of which Bannow is situated, are especially fortunate in possessing, to a very remarkable extent, all the moral, social, and natural advantages, which are to be found, although more limited, throughout the County. The inhabitants are, chiefly, descendants of the Anglo-Norman settlers, who, in the reign of the second Henry, invaded and conquered – or, rather subdued – Ireland; and, until very recently, they retained so much of their ancient customs and manners, as actually to speak a language unknown in other districts of the Kingdom.