MIGRATION
Ireland as a homeland is much loved, but often idealised, particularly by those who left and their descendants. While most of its sights, sounds and smells cannot simply be packed away in a suitcase, emigrants carried treasured memories of them wherever they went – showing their deep connection to, and longing for, the land they left behind. Leaving your homeland brings with it a wave of emotions: joy at the possibility of a new life, sadness over having to leave, fear of the unknown. More than 10 million emigrants have left the island of Ireland over the last 1,500 years, by sea and by air. During the sixth and seventh centuries, Irish monks made sea voyages in open wooden boats called currachs, such as the one featured in the tale of St Brendan the Navigator. A trip to Iona, in Scotland, could take two weeks. To get to Newfoundland, Canada, took a year. In the seventeenth century, some emigrants left on warships to Normandy while in the eighteenth century others boarded the first passenger ship, The Friends Goodwill, which took four months to reach Boston.
MIGRATION
Ireland as a homeland is much loved, but often idealised, particularly by those who left and their descendants. While most of its sights, sounds and smells cannot simply be packed away in a suitcase, emigrants carried treasured memories of them wherever they went – showing their deep connection to, and longing for, the land they left behind. Leaving your homeland brings with it a wave of emotions: joy at the possibility of a new life, sadness over having to leave, fear of the unknown. More than 10 million emigrants have left the island of Ireland over the last 1,500 years, by sea and by air. During the sixth and seventh centuries, Irish monks made sea voyages in open wooden boats called currachs, such as the one featured in the tale of St Brendan the Navigator. A trip to Iona, in Scotland, could take two weeks. To get to Newfoundland, Canada, took a year. In the seventeenth century, some emigrants left on warships to Normandy while in the eighteenth century others boarded the first passenger ship, The Friends Goodwill, which took four months to reach Boston.
Hunger is a powerfully emotive subject in Ireland: waves of dispossession have pushed people off the land they relied on to feed themselves. When Ireland went through periods of intense poverty, the need to travel to survive and find work was pressing, in particular during the Great Famine of 1845–52. At other times, it may have simply been that more interesting or better-paid opportunities beckoned elsewhere. Even community can push or pull migrants. Many Irish people travelled to particular areas where loved ones or others from their home town had settled, enticed by letters and promises of a better life. Many travelled in hope of finding love. Others left under pressure from families, often in disgrace.
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Hunger is a powerfully emotive subject in Ireland: waves of dispossession have pushed people off the land they relied on to feed themselves. When Ireland went through periods of intense poverty, the need to travel to survive and find work was pressing, in particular during the Great Famine of 1845–52. At other times, it may have simply been that more interesting or better-paid opportunities beckoned elsewhere. Even community can push or pull migrants. Many Irish people travelled to particular areas where loved ones or others from their home town had settled, enticed by letters and promises of a better life. Many travelled in hope of finding love. Others left under pressure from families, often in disgrace.
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Thousands of Irish people left Ireland because of war, both at home and abroad. War in Ireland caused upheaval and forced many Irish people to flee; others were transported from Irish shores as prisoners of war. Moreover, although Ireland’s small army is now best known for its role in UN peacekeeping missions, the Irish have a long, proud military history. Irish soldiers have served with honour in many armies. From the sixteenth century on, enlisting in foreign armies was a familiar escape from unrest or poverty at home. The British Army was a major beneficiary – the Wicklow village of Newtownmountkennedy saw the highest concentration in Britain and Ireland of its citizens’ deaths in the First World War. Women as well as men have been affected, as family members, camp followers or, more rarely, as combatants.
Thousands of Irish people left Ireland because of war, both at home and abroad. War in Ireland caused upheaval and forced many Irish people to flee; others were transported from Irish shores as prisoners of war. Moreover, although Ireland’s small army is now best known for its role in UN peacekeeping missions, the Irish have a long, proud military history. Irish soldiers have served with honour in many armies. From the sixteenth century on, enlisting in foreign armies was a familiar escape from unrest or poverty at home. The British Army was a major beneficiary – the Wicklow village of Newtownmountkennedy saw the highest concentration in Britain and Ireland of its citizens’ deaths in the First World War. Women as well as men have been affected, as family members, camp followers or, more rarely, as combatants.
INFLUENCE
‘Influence’ celebrates the impact that Ireland has had on the world. The stories told give credence to the fact that, given the size of the country, Ireland has had a remarkable influence on culture the world over. From key discoveries in the fields of science, medicine and technology to campaigning for social justice and contributing seminal works to world literature, this small island has certainly played, and continues to play, its part in shaping the global zeitgeist. The ‘Influence’ sequence introduces the achievements of the global Irish diaspora and celebrates the things that bring the Irish community together. Within the museum a powerful collage depicts famous members of the diaspora – sportspeople, politicians, diplomats, stars of stage and screen, musicians, dancers and writers.
INFLUENCE
‘Influence’ celebrates the impact that Ireland has had on the world. The stories told give credence to the fact that, given the size of the country, Ireland has had a remarkable influence on culture the world over. From key discoveries in the fields of science, medicine and technology to campaigning for social justice and contributing seminal works to world literature, this small island has certainly played, and continues to play, its part in shaping the global zeitgeist. The ‘Influence’ sequence introduces the achievements of the global Irish diaspora and celebrates the things that bring the Irish community together. Within the museum a powerful collage depicts famous members of the diaspora – sportspeople, politicians, diplomats, stars of stage and screen, musicians, dancers and writers.
Irish people have excelled in sport worldwide and a love of sport is perceived to be a quintessentially Irish attribute. Little is more powerful than sport in building community and helping newcomers feel at home. Participating enthusiastically in a local sport, supporting a team, playing for a team – these are all tried and tested paths to integrating in a new community. Sport has acted as a means of assimilation and integration for Irish emigrants, as well as a way of achieving fame and success. The long tradition of emigration from Irish shores has resulted in Gaelic games being played and watched in far-flung corners of the globe. The Gaelic Athletic Association has been, and continues to be, a means to connect Irish communities abroad. The global GAA has a long history: Gaelic games flourished in Argentina before the Second World War cut off access to the supply of Irish ash for making hurleys, the sticks used to carry and hit the ball in hurling. Although the games associated with the GAA, primarily hurling and Gaelic football, have historically been played by Irish-born immigrants, this has started to change in recent years. Players and even whole teams with little or no Irish connection are playing outside Ireland, as Gaelic games prove their worth even without their cultural history. Today, a fifth of the GAA’s clubs are outside Ireland. The majority are in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia, but Gaelic games are also thriving in such unexpected places as Malaysia and Uganda.
Irish people have excelled in sport worldwide and a love of sport is perceived to be a quintessentially Irish attribute. Little is more powerful than sport in building community and helping newcomers feel at home. Participating enthusiastically in a local sport, supporting a team, playing for a team – these are all tried and tested paths to integrating in a new community. Sport has acted as a means of assimilation and integration for Irish emigrants, as well as a way of achieving fame and success. The long tradition of emigration from Irish shores has resulted in Gaelic games being played and watched in far-flung corners of the globe. The Gaelic Athletic Association has been, and continues to be, a means to connect Irish communities abroad. The global GAA has a long history: Gaelic games flourished in Argentina before the Second World War cut off access to the supply of Irish ash for making hurleys, the sticks used to carry and hit the ball in hurling. Although the games associated with the GAA, primarily hurling and Gaelic football, have historically been played by Irish-born immigrants, this has started to change in recent years. Players and even whole teams with little or no Irish connection are playing outside Ireland, as Gaelic games prove their worth even without their cultural history. Today, a fifth of the GAA’s clubs are outside Ireland. The majority are in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia, but Gaelic games are also thriving in such unexpected places as Malaysia and Uganda.
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A long history of political emigration means that the Irish have built up an impressive record of involvement in politics and civic engagement in their new homes. For many politicians, Irish heritage is a badge they wear with pride, knowing it can give them a popular advantage. The US presidency is an extraordinary example of Irish political success. At least 23 presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant and Joe Biden, can lay claim to Irish roots. But winning elections is not the only way to change the world. Irishwomen, Irishmen and people of Irish ancestry have campaigned for social justice in many countries. They have delivered great speeches which have motivated populations to fight injustice, throw off tyranny and proclaim their rights. Ireland’s history has given politicians of Irish descent a certain platform when representing the underdog, being the voice of the voiceless. And those of Irish origin have always been credited with having a way with words.
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A long history of political emigration means that the Irish have built up an impressive record of involvement in politics and civic engagement in their new homes. For many politicians, Irish heritage is a badge they wear with pride, knowing it can give them a popular advantage. The US presidency is an extraordinary example of Irish political success. At least 23 presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant and Joe Biden, can lay claim to Irish roots. But winning elections is not the only way to change the world. Irishwomen, Irishmen and people of Irish ancestry have campaigned for social justice in many countries. They have delivered great speeches which have motivated populations to fight injustice, throw off tyranny and proclaim their rights. Ireland’s history has given politicians of Irish descent a certain platform when representing the underdog, being the voice of the voiceless. And those of Irish origin have always been credited with having a way with words.
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The Irish have made significant contributions to the world of food and drink, as eating and drinking are important for bringing the Irish community together. Perhaps the best example of this is the phenomenon of the Irish pub – a standard for genial hospitality and friendly socialising throughout the world. Food and drink allow people to express their heritage and feel connected to Ireland. Although food in Ireland benefits from outstanding fresh ingredients, for members of the diaspora, the taste of home is just as likely to be cheese-and-onion crisps, invented in Ireland in the 1950s. While Irish food and drink have travelled the world, making whiskey and soda bread famous, the Irish diaspora has also contributed to these industries in other countries. For example, a number of French wine houses were founded by Irish emigrants or their descendants, a group known as the ‘Wine Geese’.
The Irish have made significant contributions to the world of food and drink, as eating and drinking are important for bringing the Irish community together. Perhaps the best example of this is the phenomenon of the Irish pub – a standard for genial hospitality and friendly socialising throughout the world. Food and drink allow people to express their heritage and feel connected to Ireland. Although food in Ireland benefits from outstanding fresh ingredients, for members of the diaspora, the taste of home is just as likely to be cheese-and-onion crisps, invented in Ireland in the 1950s. While Irish food and drink have travelled the world, making whiskey and soda bread famous, the Irish diaspora has also contributed to these industries in other countries. For example, a number of French wine houses were founded by Irish emigrants or their descendants, a group known as the ‘Wine Geese’.
A spirit of creativity is part of Irish identity, and the Irish diaspora has had a significant impact on the world of art and design, with many diaspora artists being inspired by their Irish heritage. Irish artists and designers, meanwhile, have been so influential that they have continually inspired popular culture, other artists and artistic movements the world over.
A spirit of creativity is part of Irish identity, and the Irish diaspora has had a significant impact on the world of art and design, with many diaspora artists being inspired by their Irish heritage. Irish artists and designers, meanwhile, have been so influential that they have continually inspired popular culture, other artists and artistic movements the world over.
STAYING CONNECTED
How do Irish emigrants and the Irish diaspora maintain a sense of identity and connection to their heritage and homeland, even when dispersed across the globe? Festivals, parades and commemorative events keep cultural traditions and histories alive, while advances in transport and communications have meant the movement of people and ideas between Ireland and the world has never been easier. We may connect in different ways, but the psychological connections – love, longing, guilt, community – remain constant. Emigrants often remark on the great emotional toll associated with emigration and how, despite the passage of time and the evolution of technology, the desire for connection with ‘home’ endures. These connections may be timeless, but they are ever-evolving, as is our understanding of what it means to be Irish. The Irish capacity for fun and celebration is legendary. Events such as the Milwaukee Irish Fest or the Copenhagen Irish Festival bring together thousands of people eager to explore and engage with Irish music, food and culture every year, while St Patrick’s Day has truly become a global phenomenon, with events taking place everywhere from the streets of Dublin to the halls of the White House. Every person is connected, and migration has truly made that a reality.
STAYING CONNECTED
How do Irish emigrants and the Irish diaspora maintain a sense of identity and connection to their heritage and homeland, even when dispersed across the globe? Festivals, parades and commemorative events keep cultural traditions and histories alive, while advances in transport and communications have meant the movement of people and ideas between Ireland and the world has never been easier. We may connect in different ways, but the psychological connections – love, longing, guilt, community – remain constant. Emigrants often remark on the great emotional toll associated with emigration and how, despite the passage of time and the evolution of technology, the desire for connection with ‘home’ endures. These connections may be timeless, but they are ever-evolving, as is our understanding of what it means to be Irish. The Irish capacity for fun and celebration is legendary. Events such as the Milwaukee Irish Fest or the Copenhagen Irish Festival bring together thousands of people eager to explore and engage with Irish music, food and culture every year, while St Patrick’s Day has truly become a global phenomenon, with events taking place everywhere from the streets of Dublin to the halls of the White House. Every person is connected, and migration has truly made that a reality.
This edition © Kulturalis Ltd, 2026 Texts © EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, 2026 Illustrations © EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, 2026, unless otherwise stated The authors have asserted their rights under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as authors of this work. First published in 2026 by Kulturalis Ltd 14 Old Queen Street London SW1H 9HP United Kingdom www.kulturalis.com In association with EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Custom House Quay, Dublin D01 R9Y0 www.epicchq.com ISBN 978-1-83636-045-2 Project manager and editor: Neil Burkey Reproduction by Opero, Verona Printed and bound in Turkey
Image credits Buenos Aires (p.8) Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division St Brendan the Navigator (p.8) Wikimedia Commons Valerie Place (p.15) courtesy Marianne Barcellona Mari Steed (p.19) courtesy Mari Steed Wine Geese (p.41) Wikimedia Commons Francis Bacon studio (p.46) Wikimedia Commons 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the Authors and Publisher. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. EU GPSR Authorised Representative: EASY ACCESS SYSTEM EUROPE OÜ, Mustamäe tee 50, 10621, TALLINN, Estonia email: info@easproject.org