This is the story of a County Kilkenny family over one hundred and one years (1816- 1917) with a particular emphasis on their enterprising activities. The study is based largely on family papers that have fortuitously survived. The Hyland family exemplifies a specific stratum within Catholic Ireland both socially and in terms of geographic location. The Hylands were members of a most influential class that may be described generically as the Catholic middle class. Through this case study a deeper historical insight into a grouping that has received little attention from historians is provided. This group, exemplified by the Hylands, had a vital, i f not overt, ftinction in the socio-economic, cultural and political landscape in what was a stratified and complex society. Connected to the masses in religious faith and nationalism; connected to the classes in privilege, their wealth was meagre in comparison with the affluent ascendency - their fortune, unimaginable to most of their brethren. What further distinguished this family from much of Catholic society and most of the ascendency was their engagement with trade; they possessed a mercantilist mentality. This entrepreneurial spirit was demonstrated in the various ventures they undertook and in their ability to diversify and engage at different levels with all sections of the community. Their business activities included the operation of a slate quarry, distillery and com mill and the management of a local theatre. With both business and farming interests, both landlords and tenants, the Hylands involved themselves in many aspects of life in their locality and beyond.