What Was 1959 Like in Ireland?

Éamon de Valera stepped down as Taoiseach and was elected President — a graceful sideways move that allowed Lemass to take over and implement the new economic programme.

Read the full story of 1959 →

Life in Ireland in 1959

Taoiseach

Éamon de Valera

Petrol (per litre)

2s 4d/gal

Loaf of Bread

7½d

Average House

£2,100

Weekly Wage

£5 5s

Top Film

Ben-Hur

Or

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Famous Birthdays

Bob Geldof5 October 1951Musician & activistView their day →Liam Neeson7 June 1952ActorView their day →Pierce Brosnan16 May 1953ActorView their day →Mary McAleese27 June 1951Former PresidentView their day →Gabriel Byrne12 May 1950ActorView their day →Enya17 May 1961SingerView their day →Stephen Rea31 October 1946ActorView their day →

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