Responses to the Great Famine Eras of change and conflict: The Great Famine 157

Bungalows in the countryside

Bungalows became very popular in rural areas in the 1970s and 1980s because they were a lot more affordable to build than a two-storey house. It was also easier to get planning permission from the council to build a bungalow.

Modern housing estates

Ireland experienced a building boom from 1994 to 2007. Many housing estates were built in the suburbs, containing semi-detached or detached houses, and apartments. A newly built home has to meet energy-efficiency standards. This means that a minimal amount of energy is required to heat it, making it better for the environment.

1 When did the first farmers settle in Ireland? 2 Why did many cottages have only two windows? 3 Name three different types of homes that had a thatched roof. 4 What does the term ‘Georgian era’ mean? 5 Who were housing estates built for in Donnycarney and Crumlin in the 1930s? 6 Why did the population of cities increase during the Industrial Revolution? 7 Why, do you think, did the families from tenements miss living in the city centre after they moved to the suburbs?

1 Sort the homes from the lesson into those in rural areas and those in urban areas. 2 Think, pair, share: Study the homes in your locality. Are any of the homes in your locality similar to the homes discussed in the lesson? 3 Group work: Compare housing estates built in the 1930s in Dublin’s suburbs with those built since 1994. How has the style of homes changed? Draw a poster highlighting the features that have changed.