ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the 'plurality of Irelands', in terms of changing discourses of economy, society and space. It discusses the key themes of 'history', 'change' and 'culture', and shows that how they interconnect to form the somewhat contradictory character of Ireland. The book begins with the premise that the 'rural' must be considered in terms of a complex range of activities and there is a need to re-evaluate much of what is taken for granted in terms of the 'rural' in Ireland. It explores the theoretical framework that development provides for comprehending and evaluating rural change. The book also discusses the notion that rural development has 'geography' and endeavours to draw a conclusion on the process, practice and understanding of rural development in Ireland.
