Hiring fairs were common in Ireland in the 19th century, continuing until the 1920s, by the 1940s they were fading out of use, with the last fairs taking place in Letterkenny and Strabane. Men, women and children would be hired out, and their working conditions would depend on the employer. 

Archie Reid was a History teacher and prolific film maker, you can find several of his gems on the Britain on Film map. This material is courtesy of Elizabeth Reid.