This is an important source for historians of 19th century Ireland and those exploring local and family history. Asking ‘is Ireland an improving Country?’ Inglis travelled the country meeting landlords and tenants, drawing upon his background in commerce to observe the realities of everyday life. He offers insights into the conditions that prevailed after Catholic emancipation in the period between the Napoleonic Wars and the Great Famine, as well as the prevailing religious attitudes and tensions. His analysis informed much of the 1835 debate about Ireland in Westminster. His observations clearly reflect his own attitudes and beliefs, yet are grounded in first-hand observations. Clachan editors have edited the digitised text carefully, making it fully searchable and updated spelling and punctuation. We have also provided scholarly footnotes.