An Irishwoman's Diary: Lady Arabella Denny was a woman before her time

Lady Arabella Denny set up an almshouse for the poor, introduced carpet weaving to Ireland, and bred silkworms at her home.

She campaigned for healthcare for infants, set up an almshouse for the poor, introduced carpet weaving to Ireland, bred silkworms at her home and, rather incongruously, took shooting lessons to stop her brother-in-law bullying her (it worked!).

Lady Arabella Denny (yes, like the sausages — a distant branch of the same family) was a woman before her time.

Irish Examiner columnist Clodagh Finn joins Deirdre O'Shaugnessy to discuss the woman who left very explicit — and unusual — instructions for what was to be done when she died.