Mary Mathew

Mathew lived in a rented house in Portmarnock, Dublin for a number of years, where she entertained.

In 1772 to 1773 Mathew kept a daily diary, along with highly detailed accounts spanning 20 years were published in 1991.

[1] Her diary details a comfortable life, with outings of card-playing, balls and to the theatre.

She kept the diary dutifully from 1 August 1772 until 31 July 1773, not enjoying the pursuit, but wanting to adhere to the discipline of writing every day.

Whilst not containing any literary merit, her diary is a historically rare and useful glimpse into the life of an 18th century Irish spinster socialite.