Such a large diaspora is really quite something considering the population of Ireland is less than 6 million!

Those who left Ireland in the 1800's included convicts forced to leave their livelihoods and migrants searching for a new start after the Great Hunger hit Ireland. Generations of Irish people, continued to leave Ireland throughout the 1900's for many reasons - economic, political and personal. Many people left Ireland to be reunited with their friends and families who had left before them.

Irish people brought their culture, customs and values with them and contributed positively to the countries they moved to, in the areas of politics, sport, music and the arts. The Irish today continue to follow their ancestors' footsteps overseas, and Australia continues to be a welcoming country.

Today it is estimated that between 9% and 30% of Australians claim to have Irish ancestry.

The Irish in Australia

The first set of convicts were sent to Australia in 1788 mainly due to changes in political rule and the stringent laws enforced upon the Irish population. On the First Fleet 155 men, women (and 4 children) were transported from Ireland to NSW. Over the 62 years that followed approximately 27,000 more men, women and children were transported to Australia.

We have asked asked historian Cassie Mercer to share with us stories of the first Irish Australians - you can download the stories to read and enjoy.

The Great Hunger

The Great Famine (also known as the Great Hunger) of 1845 prompted 1 million Irish people to leave Ireland and seek refuge in America and Canada. Many travelled on ships that were dubbed 'Coffin ships' as their poor conditions coupled with limited amounts of food and water for those onboard led to high levels of mortality among passengers. The Jeanie Johnson is one of the best known coffin ships making a total of 16 voyages during the Famine time to America and Canada. A replica of the ship can be seen in Dublin today.

During 1783-1812 over 100,000 men, women and children decided to set sail for America. Over the subsequent years until 1930 a further estimated 1,625,000 Irish citizens migrated and settled in America.

The Irish Famine Memorial in Sydney is dedicated to the million or so who died during the famine period. It is a monument to those who survived and in a very special way to the 4,200 famine orphans who arrived in Australia under the Earl Grey scheme (1848 -1850).