Irish Heritage | Around the World and Beyond

Over the past few centuries, Mass Irish emigration started the Irish Heritage around the world and has caused many place names worldwide to be renamed after Irish towns and cities.

Bangor is the name of 28 towns around the world, including Bangor, County Down. Some of these, such as Bangor, Maine are named after either Bangor in Wales or Bangor in Northern Ireland.

There are over 56 Northern Irish place names and over 100 place names from the Republic of Ireland in different parts of the world, named after counties on the island of Ireland. Even beyond Earth, there are Irish place names. On Mars, there are several, including Beltra crater, Clogh crater, Dromore crater, Fenagh crater, Glendore crater, Lismore crater, Louth crater, Navan crater, Tara crater, and Wicklow crater.

Irish Diaspora

One of the most remarkable aspects of Irish heritage is its global reach. The Irish diaspora, estimated to number over 70 million people worldwide, has played a pivotal role in spreading Irish culture far beyond the shores of Ireland.

The Great Famine and Mass Emigration

The Great Famine (1845–1852) marked a tragic chapter in Irish history, with over a million people dying from starvation and disease. During this period, millions emigrated, seeking a better life in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. These emigrants carried their customs, traditions, and a strong sense of identity, laying the foundation for vibrant Irish communities abroad.

The Irish in America

The United States is home to one of the largest Irish populations outside Ireland, with over 31.5 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry. Cities like Boston, New York, and Chicago are known for their deep Irish roots, celebrated through events such as St. Patrick’s Day parades, Irish festivals, and the preservation of Irish dance and music.

Prominent Irish-Americans, from John F. Kennedy to contemporary figures in entertainment, politics, and business, have highlighted the Irish’s contributions to American society. This influence extends beyond individuals to cultural institutions like the Irish Arts Centre in New York City.

The Irish in Australia and Beyond

Australia is another nation where Irish heritage is deeply embedded. Many early settlers were Irish convicts transported during the colonial period, but their descendants have become vital to Australian society. Today, Irish festivals and cultural centres are in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Other countries, including Canada, Argentina, and South Africa, also have significant Irish communities. Each has uniquely contributed to preserving Irish heritage, whether through Gaelic sports, Irish pubs, or the teaching of Gaeilge.

A Tale of Two Cities

The two biggest cities in Northern Ireland are Belfast, County Antrim, and Derry, County Londonderry. Belfast was granted city status by Queen Victoria in 1888. Despite being viewed as one of the most dangerous cities in the world during the 1970s and 1980s, it is now regarded as one of the safest cities within the United Kingdom, according to a survey conducted in 2016.

Derry gained city status in 1604 with a Royal Charter from the Kingdom of Ireland. Derry (Londonderry) is thriving today and is one of the most popular places for Northern Ireland tourists to visit.

These cities have strong Irish Heritage ties across the North Atlantic Ocean. Belfast, Maine, is a Waldo County, Maine, USA city. Around 7,000 people live there, and it is popular with tourists due to its antique architecture and historic districts.

Likewise, the names Derry and Londonderry exist outside of Ireland, too. A town called Derry is situated right beside another town called Londonderry in New Hampshire in the United States. Londonderry is also in Yorkshire, England, Vermont, the United States, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northern and eastern Australia. Just off Tierra del Fuego in Chile, there is an island called Londonderry Island. 

Belle of Belfast City

Belfast, Maine, was settled by Scottish and Irish families from Londonderry, New Hampshire, in the Spring of 1770. It is often rumoured that the name Belfast, after the Northern Irish city, was decided via a coin toss.

During the American Revolution, fear of British attack led the original residents to abandon Belfast. However, they returned in the 1780s to build a vibrant, prosperous city that would become the main market centre for the surrounding areas.

Two catastrophic fires consumed most of downtown in 1865 and 1873, respectively. Merchants rebuilt the city with brick, creating a long-lasting commercial district.

In the 1900s, the city’s prosperity was mainly focused on shipbuilding and commerce, similar to the original Belfast during this time when it built the Titanic. Today, Belfast, Maine, is a quiet, small town with an appealing Irish Heritage, culture and community spirit that is attractive to tourists and potential residents. 

What Did the Natives Think of the Irish Settlers?

When Britain renounced Catholicism, they tried to implement Protestantism in Ireland, and the people of Ireland refused it, which sparked vast hatred towards Irish people from the rest of Britain.

Racism toward Irish people can be traced back to 1190, when the Norman chronicler Giraldus Cambrensis wrote disparagingly of the country to justify the Norman invasion of Ireland and seek promotion by Henry II within the English church.

Stereotyping of the Irish continued into more modern times, such as the 19th century. Victorian Britain branded the Irish as violent and alcoholic.

Irish emigration to Boston began in the colonial period with predominantly Protestant migrants from Ulster, seeking relief from high rents, repressive taxes, and other pressures.

They were followed shortly after by many Catholic Irish settlers. Wary of Boston’s Anglo-Saxon Puritans, who were hostile to the Irish, many moved to the outskirts of the Bay Colony and founded towns such as Bangor and Belfast in Maine.

The roots of Irish Heritage are deep in people all around the world. Since there are more than 80 million people of Irish descent worldwide, many cultures, accents, and traditions are influenced by historical Irish traditions. The Irish diaspora is one of the largest of any other nation despite the population of the island of Ireland, which is just over 6 million.

Key Elements of Irish Culture Around the World

Irish Music and Dance

Traditional Irish music and dance are perhaps the most recognisable aspects of Irish heritage. Instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán are central to Irish music, while dances like the reel and jig have captivated audiences worldwide.

The global success of Riverdance in the 1990s brought Irish dance to the forefront of international attention, sparking renewed interest in Irish culture. Today, Irish music and dance schools can be found in nearly every corner of the world, keeping these traditions alive for new generations.

Gaelic Sports

Gaelic games, including hurling, Gaelic football, and camogie, are unique to Irish culture and have been embraced by Irish communities abroad. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), founded in 1884, has played a crucial role in preserving these sports, with clubs established in countries such as the United States, Australia, and the UK.

Irish Festivals and Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day celebrated on 17 March, is the most iconic Irish festival and has become a global phenomenon. Cities worldwide, from Dublin to Tokyo, light green to honour Ireland’s patron saint. These celebrations often feature parades, music, dance, and wearing green attire, symbolising unity and pride in Irish heritage.

Other festivals, such as Bloomsday (celebrating James Joyce’s Ulysses) and the Fleadh Cheoil (an international traditional music competition), further showcase the diversity of Irish culture and its global appeal.

The Preservation of Irish Heritage

As the world becomes increasingly globalised, preserving and promoting Irish heritage is more important than ever. Organisations and initiatives both in Ireland and abroad are dedicated to this cause.

Cultural Institutions

Institutions such as the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Heritage Trust, and the Irish Folklore Commission are vital in safeguarding Ireland’s cultural treasures. These organisations preserve artefacts, documents, and oral histories that provide valuable insights into Ireland’s past.

Education and Language Revival

Efforts to revitalise the Irish language have been bolstered by organisations like Conradh na Gaeilge (the Gaelic League) and the growing popularity of Irish-language media, including TG4 (an Irish-language television channel) and Raidió na Gaeltachta (a radio station). Online resources and language courses have also made learning Gaeilge more accessible globally.

Diaspora Engagement

Ireland’s government has actively engaged with its diaspora, recognising the importance of maintaining strong ties with Irish communities abroad. Initiatives such as the Emigrant Support Programme provide funding for cultural projects, while events like the Global Irish Festival Series celebrate the enduring connection between Ireland and its people worldwide.

Conclusion

Irish heritage is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of history, culture, and tradition. Its influence extends far beyond the borders of Ireland, resonating with millions of people worldwide. From its Celtic roots to its global diaspora, Irish heritage is a testament to the resilience and creativity of a people who have faced adversity with unwavering spirit.

Whether through language, music, dance, or festivals, Irish culture continues to be celebrated and cherished. As the digital age offers new ways to connect and preserve this heritage, Ireland and its people’s legacy remain a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.

Do you know the popularity of Irish heritage? Are you of Irish descent but are from a different country? Let us know in the comments below. 

Other great Irish Blogs: Toasts of Ireland | History of the Tuatha de Danaan | Unfolded History of Gaelic Ireland | History of the Troubles | History of Belfast City