This Is Happiness is set during a critical turning point in Ireland’s history, a period marked by the transition from age-old rural traditions to an emerging modern, industrial society. Mirroring the protagonist Noe’s transformative journey, the nation was on its own “coming of age” path during this historical time frame. The era was characterized by significant emigration, particularly among the younger generation of workers who sought to gain economic prosperity far beyond the stagnant opportunities available at home. This mass exodus risked sapping Ireland’s vibrancy and led to a reflective period fraught with uncertainty about the future of the country as a whole.

As Ireland grappled with economic evolution, transitioning from an agrarian economy toward an industrial and service-centric one, several key debates gained prominence. Traditionalists cherished their farming roots and found themselves at odds with those who were eager for industrial progress and modernization. This economic upheaval, coupled with the political instability of the late 1940s and 1950s, marked a period of societal self-questioning and crisis. This era also witnessed a broadening of Ireland’s cultural horizons as it absorbed influences from the global sphere through various media like newspapers, films, and radio.