poteen
alcohol made illicitly, typically from potatoes.
perished
died, especially in a violent or sudden way
turf
grassland like peat, as is used for fires
sorrow
a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune
tacking
fastening or fixing in place
destitute
extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself
lament
a passionate expression of grief or sorrow
querlously
behaving in a complaining, fussy manner
jobber
a person who buys or sells things; a middleman; a wholesaler
keen
wail; cry
curragh
a small, round boat with which one uses a paddle
start
jump up in surprise; to be startled
hags
female spirits/goblins
head
tip of the island
hookers
one-masted fishing boats used on the English and Irish coasts (source: m-w.com)
middling
somewhat; sort of; in the middle
easy
content; calmed
queer
strange
pitiful
sad; worthy of sympathy
defiantly
stubbornly; boldly