The Land Purchase Act 1885 was a significant piece of legislation in Ireland aimed at facilitating the transfer of land ownership from landlords to tenants. It provided financial assistance to tenants, allowing them to buy land through government loans, thereby promoting land reform and improving agricultural productivity. This act was part of a broader movement to address the issues of land tenure and tenant rights in Ireland. It aimed to reduce the power of large landowners and empower small farmers, contributing to social and economic changes in the region during the late 19th century.