The Journey

Two young women sleeping on the Holyhead train: August 1986.

Irish Diaspora

Irish immigration to Britain has a long, rich history, with the Irish community making significant contributions to British society. This exhibition focuses on the past five decades, capturing successive waves of emigration driven by different factors.

Some came to Britain to escape cultural conservatism, conflict or discrimination. Others left Ireland in a wave of youth emigration during the 1980s recession.

The economic boom of the Celtic Tiger attracted many skilled Irish workers back home, but also saw a continued flow of people to Britain.

The global financial crisis of 2008 and its impact on the Irish economy prompted newer emigration flows to Britain.

This exhibition highlights the multifaceted journey of Irish immigrants and their enduring impact on Britain. The stories exhibited here celebrate the shared heritage and contributions of the Irish diaspora.

Two children outside the Irish Advice Centre at the Hammersmith and Fulham Irish Centre, year unknown.

The Journey

Leaving Ireland

For centuries, economic insecurity has driven Irish emigration. Britain’s colonisation of Ireland hampered industrialisation and Ireland’s poor, largely agricultural economy could not provide for families or a generation seeking new opportunities and social freedoms.

By the 1970s, one-third of those under 30 had left, earning them the nickname the ‘Vanishing Irish.’ Ireland’s restrictive laws and religious doctrine defined a conservative culture that also marginalised many, prompting single pregnant women and LGBTQ+ people to seek freedoms and choices denied to them at home.

These historical factors shaped the Irish community’s migration story, creating a diverse diaspora that continues to have an impact on both nations.

Joe Lynch on O’Connell Bridge, Dublin, 1965

Goodbye from Larne Stranraer ferry, 1970s

John Giltenan

I sat on the plane and I kept thinking to myself, is this really happening?

The Journey

Arriving in Britain

Unlike other migrant groups, Irish migrants have unrestricted entry to Britain with the same legal rights and benefits as British citizens. However, some were unaware of these entitlements, leading to missed opportunities for National Insurance registration, healthcare access and pension claims.

Many newcomers initially expected a short stay, anticipating Ireland’s economic recovery, or an ultimate return to family roots.

Numerous Irish clubs and societies emerged after the Second World War, offering support and a sense of belonging to new arrivals, helping the Irish in Britain feel at home away from home.

Flyer advertising A Guide to London for Young Irish People produced by the Action Group for Irish Youth (AGIY), 1988

Katie Doyle

There was a sense of freedom in London that I didn't feel ever in Dublin.

The Journey

Women

From 1951 to 1991 more women than men emigrated to Britain from the Republic of Ireland and since 1981 women have also emigrated from Northern Ireland in greater numbers than men.

Concern over the loss of young people from rural Ireland in the 1950s was intensified by the number of young women leaving. Women tended to migrate at younger ages to seek work and support their families back home with remittances (money).

Historically, accounts of the Irish in Britain have focused on men, but recent projects highlight Irish women’s experiences, such as those working as nurses in the NHS.

Healthcare Not Airfare luggage tag, London Irish Abortion Rights Campaign merchandise, 2017

Report of the London Irish Women’s Conference, held at Camden Irish Centre, London, 17 June 1984

Report of the London Irish Women’s Conference, held at Camden Irish Centre, London, Cover image by Joanne O’Brien, 17 June 1984. — Report of the London Irish Women’s Conference, held at Camden Irish Centre, London, 17 June 1984

Social event, Luton Irish Forum Centre, 2022

Rosemary Adaser

I moved to England because frankly I didn't have a choice

The Journey

Oral Histories

Alex McDonnell

1980s Irish Migration

Alex was brought up in Newcastle to Irish parents. He worked for the GLC in their Ethnic Minorities Unit, and Arlington House, and was one of the founders of The Aisling Project, which helps long term emigrants to resettle in Ireland.

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Angie Birtill

Why Women Left Ireland

Angie was born in Liverpool and moved to London in her 20s where she became involved with the London Irish Women’s Centre.

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Ann Lawler

The Miracle of Moving Home to Ireland

Ann, originally from Co. Donegal, left Ireland in the 1980s, but always dreamed of returning home one day, something she achieved in 2020.

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Ann Lucas

I nearly died of Homesickness

Originally from Co. Limerick, Ann moved to Scotland to work as a nurse before moving to South London. She is the former mayor of Bexley. She has been honoured for her dedicated service to the Irish community.

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John Giltenan

An Emotional Send-Off

Proud Limerick native, John Giltenan moved to England 35 years ago, and is the Hon. Secretary of the Council of Irish County Associations London (C.I.C.A).

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Claire Hagan

Nothing to do Here for a Lesbian

Growing up within the Protestant community in Portstewart, Co. Derry, Clare moved to Leicester in 1989 to train as a nurse before becoming an actor.

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Katie Doyle

Never Returned From Holiday

Katie was born in Ballyfermot, Dublin and grew up in an industrial school. She moved to London in the 1980s, lived in Denmark for 10 years before returning to London where she is the Survivor Support Liaison at the London Irish Centre.

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Margaret Carolan

Coming off the Boat at Night

Originally from Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, Margaret moved to Manchester in her 20s where she spent her career as a carer and volunteered for Irish community organisations.

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Mark T. Cox

The Irish Lens on the Queer World

Mark is a cabaret artiste, pianist, entertainer, storyteller and comedian from Lissycasey, Co. Clare who moved to London in the 2010s where he also leads Queer History Walking Tours of London.

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Richy O’Gorman

Bond between Windrush and Irish Migrants

Richy, hailing from Thurles in Co. Tipperary, and his partner, Taurayne McKen, of Jamaican heritage, designed “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish” T-shirts in response to the historical discrimination signs.

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Rosemary Adaser

I Didn’t Have a Choice

Founder of the Association of Mixed Race Irish, Rosemary moved to London in 1977 having been raised in Mother and Baby Homes and industrial schools.

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Sean Cloherty

Left to Help my Mother

Sean grew up on a small farm on Lettermore Island in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region). He moved to Britain when he was 16 and worked as a pipe-layer and now lives in Liverpool.

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Siobhan McSweeney

Repeal Campaign

Born in Aherla, Co. Cork, Siobhán is a BAFTA-award winning actor, best known for playing the iconic Sr. Michael in Derry Girls and her roles in Holding and The Great Pottery Throwdown.

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Teresa Gallagher

Crying Into Their Pints

Teresa is the founder of Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (icap). She was born in Co. Donegal and trained to be a psychotherapist in London after serving in the religious orders.

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Tess McGuire

A Decision Made For Me

Tess McGuire, from Co. Waterford, is currently Treasurer of the Council of Irish County Associations London, and co-founded the Irish Association of North London in 1973.

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