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Exhibition sheds light on Irish migration history
A new exhibition at Dublin's EPIC Emigration Museum examines the experiences of Irish people who moved to England over the past two centuries, highlighting both struggles and progress.
Historical context of Irish emigration
Approximately 500,000 Irish-born individuals currently reside in England, with migration waves spanning centuries. The number peaked at around 900,000 in the 1970s, driven by mass departures during the 1950s.
Before the Great Famine (pre-1845), over 400,000 Irish-born people lived in England. This figure surged in the following decades, with England becoming the primary destination for Irish emigrants from the 1930s onward. Significant migration waves occurred during the 1940s-1950s and the 1980s recession.
Since Northern Ireland's establishment, 25% to 35% of Irish emigrants have come from the region, many seeking work or fleeing the Troubles.
Economic disparities revealed
Researchers from the London School of Economics (LSE) analyzed over 500,000 surnames from the 1911 UK Census to track the economic and social well-being of the Irish community. Their findings indicate that Irish immigrants and their descendants remained significantly poorer than their English counterparts for generations.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Irish in England were, on average, 50% poorer than the English population. Records, including census data and birth, marriage, and death certificates, were used to measure living standards, infant mortality, and life expectancy.
"Work was the major reason people left Ireland during periods of economic difficulty-low wages, high unemployment, and no opportunities. England was where they went for a better life," said curator Dr. Christopher Kissane.
Discrimination and the 'Irish penalty'
Professor Neil Cummins, who studied historical records, noted that migration from Ireland was largely driven by lower-educated, working-class individuals. He cited evidence of systemic discrimination against Irish people in the labor market, describing it as an 'Irish penalty.'
Despite these challenges, Cummins, who has lived in England for nearly 20 years, observed that conditions for Irish people have improved dramatically. "London today is vastly different than it was 50 years ago. It's a multicultural city where being Irish often comes with advantages," he said.
Modern experiences and shifting trends
Holly McGlynn, EPIC's head of communications, moved to London in 2008 during Ireland's financial crisis. She lived there for 16 years, raising three children, and described her experience as largely positive. "People were always excited to hear I was Irish," she said. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to reassess her priorities and return to Ireland.
Kissane noted that emigration patterns have shifted since the Celtic Tiger era. "Irish people are no longer leaving in such large numbers, and those who do are often highly qualified professionals. They've integrated well and are now among the best-earning groups in England," he said.
