• Ireland drives on the left side of the road, unlike most countries which drive on the right
• Driver’s seat is on the right side of vehicles
• Originated in medieval times due to right-handed weapon usage while on horses
• British rule of Ireland reinforced left-hand driving
• Continued after Ireland’s independence – reflects cultural identity and predictability
• Road signs, roundabouts designed for left-hand traffic flow
• Neighboring UK also drives on left – shows historical ties
• Understanding Ireland’s left-hand convention provides insights into cultural and historical factors shaping road traffic norms globally

Driving practices vary across the globe, reflecting a fascinating tapestry of historical, cultural, and logistical factors. As societies have developed and transportation evolved, nations have adopted distinct norms regarding which side of the road to drive on. One might assume that the majority of the world adheres to the practice of driving on the right side, but a closer look reveals a diverse array of conventions.

In the majority of countries, driving on the right side of the road is the standard. This includes large portions of Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Notable examples include the United States, Germany, and Japan. However, a significant number of nations, particularly in the Commonwealth and former British colonies, have maintained the tradition of driving on the left.

This dichotomy stems from historical influences, including the preferred side of mounted soldiers, as well as practical considerations such as the dominant hand used for activities like sword fighting or, more recently, driving horse-drawn carriages.

Among the countries that have embraced left-hand driving is Ireland, an island nation known for its lush landscapes, historic sites, and unique cultural heritage. Irish roads offer a distinct experience for both locals and visitors due to the country’s commitment to the left-side driving tradition.

Understanding Ireland’s driving conventions involves delving into its rich historical tapestry, shaped by a combination of cultural preferences and geopolitical influences. Exploring the roots of this tradition provides valuable insights into the contemporary driving practices that define the Irish roadways.

Historical Context

To comprehend Ireland’s distinctive driving practices, it is essential to delve into the historical roots that laid the foundation for the left-hand driving tradition. The origins of driving on the left can be traced back to medieval times when individuals, particularly those on horseback, preferred to travel on the left side. This preference was driven by the fact that most people were right-handed, and keeping to the left allowed for easier access to weapons in case of an unexpected encounter.

As transportation methods evolved, the left-hand tradition endured, with horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles maintaining this practice. The United Kingdom, which includes Ireland, played a pivotal role in shaping these conventions, influencing its colonies and territories with its preferred side of the road.

Evolution of Driving Practices in Ireland

Ireland’s journey through history has further solidified its commitment to left-hand driving. As the island underwent periods of colonization and cultural interchange, the influence of British rule left a lasting imprint on various aspects of Irish life, including transportation norms. Even as Ireland gained independence in the 20th century, the choice to continue driving on the left side of the road was a nod to its historical ties.

Current Driving Practices in Ireland

In contemporary Ireland, left-hand driving remains the norm, creating a distinctive feature for both residents and visitors navigating the roads. This practice aligns with the broader European convention, where several nations, especially those with historical ties to the British Isles, continue to drive on the left.

For drivers in Ireland, this means that the driver’s seat is on the right side of the vehicle, and traffic flows from left to right. Road signs, signals, and markings are designed to accommodate this driving pattern, contributing to a smooth and efficient transportation system across the country.

Road Signage and Infrastructure Alignment

One of the key elements reinforcing Ireland’s left-hand driving convention is the careful design of road signage and infrastructure. Road signs are positioned to provide clear guidance to drivers, and intersections are configured to facilitate the safe flow of traffic adhering to the left-hand rule.

Visitors to Ireland will notice that roundabouts, a common feature on Irish roads, follow an anti-clockwise direction, emphasizing the left-hand driving tradition. Understanding these road features is crucial for both locals and international drivers to navigate the Irish road network safely and efficiently.

As the Irish landscape continues to evolve, the integration of modern technology and innovative traffic management strategies further supports the seamless operation of left-hand driving in the country. This commitment to a consistent and well-established driving convention reflects Ireland’s dedication to maintaining a safe and efficient transportation system for all road users.

Factors Influencing Driving Practices

The choice to drive on the left side of the road in Ireland is deeply rooted in historical influences that have shaped the nation’s cultural and societal norms. The historical preference for the left side, stemming from considerations like weapon accessibility during medieval times, persisted through centuries and became ingrained in the fabric of Irish transportation.

The influence of British rule further solidified left-hand driving in Ireland. As a part of the United Kingdom, Ireland adopted many British practices, including road traffic norms. Even after gaining independence, Ireland opted to maintain left-hand driving, showcasing the enduring impact of historical legacies on modern-day practices.

Cultural and Societal Factors Shaping Driving Norms in Ireland

Beyond historical influences, cultural and societal factors continue to play a significant role in shaping Ireland’s driving conventions. The continuity of left-hand driving reflects a sense of identity and continuity with the past, contributing to a shared cultural heritage.

Additionally, the consistency in driving practices across the island fosters a sense of predictability and order on the roads. This adherence to tradition enhances road safety and ensures a smoother flow of traffic, as drivers can anticipate the movements and behaviors of others.

In essence, the decision to drive on the left side of the road in Ireland is not just a matter of historical inertia but a deliberate choice that reflects the interplay of cultural pride, national identity, and a commitment to maintaining a cohesive and orderly road network. Understanding these factors provides valuable insights into why left-hand driving endures as a fundamental aspect of Irish transportation culture.

Comparison with Other Countries

While left-hand driving is a distinctive feature in Ireland, it is essential to contextualize this practice by contrasting it with the predominant global norm of right-hand driving. The majority of countries, especially in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, adhere to the practice of driving on the right side of the road.

Notable examples of right-hand driving nations include the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan. This convention is often attributed to historical factors, such as the prevalence of right-handedness and the need for armed individuals to have their right hand free for protection while traveling.

Consideration of Neighboring Countries’ Driving Practices

Ireland’s left-hand driving tradition becomes particularly noteworthy when considering its proximity to the United Kingdom, which also drives on the left. This shared convention among neighboring countries, despite the majority of Europe driving on the right, highlights the enduring influence of historical ties and cultural connections.

Understanding the differences in driving practices among neighboring nations is crucial for international travelers and those crossing borders frequently. It adds a layer of complexity to the experience of driving in the region and emphasizes the importance of adapting to varying traffic norms when navigating diverse road networks.

As the global community becomes more interconnected, the coexistence of left- and right-hand driving practices in different parts of the world underscores the diverse cultural and historical factors that shape these conventions. Exploring these variations enriches our understanding of the global mosaic of road traffic norms.

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• Attend spirited Halloween festivals like Bram Stoker and Storytelling for chilling tales
• See Dublin sites decorated with spooky themes and costumes
• Enjoy seasonal cultural events like Dublin Theatre Festival and Marathon
• Capture fall colors at Phoenix Park & Book of Kells at Trinity College
• Day trip to Glendalough monastery ruins
• Savor Irish food and drink like seafood chowders and stouts at local pubs
• Meet friendly Dubliners at convivial bars and restaurants
• Shop markets and boutiques for knits, gifts, and chocolate treats
• Experience Dublin’s entertaining traditions, cuisine & charm in October

As the crisp air and changing leaves signify the start of fall, October brings an inviting glow and festive spirit to Dublin. Ireland’s capital and largest city comes alive this time of year as streets, pubs, theaters, and parks fill up for Halloween celebrations and cultural festivals and events.

October guests are greeted with the cozy charms of Dublin, from the Victorian-era buildings adorned with autumnal wreaths to the warming comforts of a hearty Irish stew on a cool evening. The start of colder nights makes enjoying chat and laughter with friendly Dubliners indoors all the more pleasing. Spending the day browsing the antique shops or strolling through the outdoor markets to get lost among the displays of handmade knits and second-hand books is a true taste of fall in Dublin.

With highs in the 50s Fahrenheit and relatively dry weather, conditions for exploring are ideal during a Dublin October. The summer crowds have mostly dispersed while the winter months are not yet bitter or icy. Don’t forget the umbrella or raincoat just in case though, as a spot of drizzling rain or fog sometimes rolls through. But an occasional passing shower won’t dampen Dublin’s October spirit. There is too much festivity and fun to uncover across Ireland’s largest and liveliest city this fall.

Halloween Festivities

Halloween brings a special kind of mischief, mayhem, and magic to Dublin in October. The city revels in all things spooky and mysterious leading up to All Hallow’s Eve on October 31st. Decorated storefronts showoff ghoulish outfits and creepy home displays, setting the stage for Dublin’s famously spirited Halloween festival events.

The Spirited Storytelling Festival entertains haunting tales of Irish myths, folklore, and ghost encounters told by masterful performers. Now in its 8th year, the festival offers a lineup of spooky stories, interactive workshops, and dramatic shows in venues across the city during the first week of October.

Later in the month, the Bram Stoker Festival pays tribute to Dublin’s Gothic writer, known for his chilling novel Dracula. The celebration features a haunted mansion, graveyard tours, vampire balls, and dramatizations of Stoker’s terrifying tales. Fans of Gothic horror won’t want to miss this long-running event every October.

While bag snatching a stash of candy, kids can show off their costumes during the annual Children’s Halloween Festival parade through the city center. After getting their fill of tricks and treats, adults carry on celebrating in the city’s famously atmospheric pubs well past when any witching hour may occur.

Concerts & Events

October brings a flush of festivals and happenings to Dublin’s theaters, concert halls, and neighborhoods. As the calendar fills up with cultural events, it’s a lively time to experience the local talent and entertainment scene.

The Dublin Theatre Festival, running since 1957, puts on dozens of plays and international productions across two weeks in October. From dramas to comedies, musicals to mime acts – theater buffs can binge on the variety of performances.

Over the October bank holiday weekend, music takes center stage at Hard Working Class Heroes. Catch Ireland’s emerging independent bands across multiple venues at this annual industry showcase festival.

For behind-the-scenes access to some of Dublin’s most magnificent architecture, the Open House Festival opens the doors to over 100 buildings for tours during one October weekend. Learn the history while gazing at the ornate chapels, banks, galleries, and more.

Capping off October is the Dublin Marathon as thousands take to the streets to complete the 26.2 mile course cheered on by lively spectators. The race passes by many of Dublin’s landmarks from Phoenix Park to Christchurch Cathedral.

Don’t forget to capture Dublin’s harvest charm by creating some Instagram Reels showcasing the decorations, excitement, and autumn countryside colors.

Attractions

Beyond the October events and festivals, Dublin’s classic sites continue to draw in visitors during the fall. Phoenix Park becomes a kaleidoscope of autumnal red and gold hues making it a top spot for leaf peeping from walking trails or by bike. The expansive grounds also house the Dublin Zoo along with plenty of green space for picnics.

Trinity College’s Old Library shouldn’t be missed to view the ornate Long Room stacked with 200,000 aged manuscripts. The library’s pride and joy – the iconic Book of Kells illuminated manuscript dating back to 800 AD – is on display in a special exhibit featuring interactive galleries explaining the intricate artwork and calligraphy.

For a mini escape from the city, head to the Wicklow Mountains or seaside town Dalkey less than an hour south. The early Christian monastic site Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park contains several stone ruins surrounded by colorful woodlands perfect for light hiking.

Back in Dublin, refuel at one of the city’s classic pubs warmed by a peat fireplace or stop into a chipper shop for fish and chips wrapped in paper to ward off the autumn nip. As darkness falls before 8pm in October, the convivial din of laughter rings out from the city’s iconic and historic watering holes.

Food & Drink

October brings heartier appetites longing for comforting, seasonal fare along with tastes celebrating the fall hunts and harvests. Dublin’s restaurants, gastropubs, and fish markets start filling up for those ready to cozy around candlelit tables or belly up to the bar with pints of autumn ale.

As the oyster season begins, the fruits of the sea feature heavily on menus across the city. Tuck in to tender octopus stew, smoked wild Irish salmon, monkfish wrapped in bacon, or seasonal Atlantic oysters served a variety of ways – naked, fried, or Rockefeller.

Ireland’s natural game and grass-fed meats also shine in chophouses sizzling aged steaks from aged beef to rose veal. Country game, like pheasant, duck, and venison, arrives on plates infused with berry glazes and hearty pan gravies.

No October would be complete without enjoying Ireland’s beloved savory stews, seafood chowders, and herb roasted roots. Helpings of colcannon (buttery mashed potatoes swirled with kale or cabbage) and loaves of Irish soda bread make perfect pairings too.

Desserts take inspiration from harvest bounty as well with regional apples, pears, and plums baked into crumbles, cakes, and pies. Sample traditional Irish brown bread ice cream or dive into decadent chocolate-guinness cake to end meals on a sweet note.

Warm up from the autumn chill by sipping whiskey cocktails, mulled wine, or Irish coffee inside Dublin’s convivial pubs. Hoist a pint of rich Irish stout or seasonal Oktoberfest lager to toast the merriment of fall.

Shopping

Dublin invites leisurely strolls between small shops and markets during mellow October days. Search for second-hand treasures, handcrafted goods, and the season’s latest fashions while getting to know the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

The Dublin Flea Christmas Market setting up in October brings together antiques, collectibles, art, and crafts from over 100 vendors. Find vintage Guinness ads, antique Irish silverware, old postcards, and strange curios across three large halls.

Brave the queues to check out the annual Late Late Toy Show range launching in Ireland’s department stores in mid-October. The Toy Show itself is the country’s biggest TV event each November, so the marketing creates mad dashes for the exclusive toys.

Catch special Halloween sales to pick up decorations to adorn homes and gardens with grinning jack-o-lanterns and loads of faux spiders webs. Costume shops also tempt those still searching for the perfect witches’ hats and vampire fangs.

Smaller independent shops carry unique clothing, homewares, and jewelry around every corner, waiting to be uncovered down Dublin’s winding side streets. Hand-knit Aran sweaters, woolen caps, Irish linen tea towels, and Claddagh rings make classic souvenirs reflecting Ireland’s heritage craftsmanship and spirit.

No October shopping spree would be complete without indulging at artisanal Irish chocolate shops boasting creamy truffles with wonderful fillings and finishes. Treat yourself to dark chocolate spiked with sea salt, Irish whiskey liqueur, or crispy bits of brown bread.

Capturing Your Dublin Journey on Instagram

Beyond just being in the moment while exploring Dublin, October also offers fantastic visuals begging to be shared on social media. Capture all the changing colors, spirited decor, delicious food, and charming cityscapes to spice up your Instagram feed and rack up the double taps!

Hashtags like #Dublin, #DublinIreland, #ThisisDublin, and #LoveDublin help connect your photos and Instagram Reels videos to the lively online community sharing this magical city. Watch as the like counts rise by engaging with trending Dublin hashtags.

Geo-tag locations like Ha’Penny Bridge, Trinity College, or St. Stephen’s Green to remember the exact scenic spots visited on your Dublin travels. Scrolling the geotags allows you to explore the most Instagrammable hot spots around the city loved by fellow Instagrammers.

Tag and thank local businesses, theaters, restaurants, and hotels you visit around the city and they may even repost your Dublin photos and Reels! Nothing spreads the love more than sharing your experiences with their Ireland Instagram followers.

Utilize Instagram Reels to showcase short video clips experiencing many of the October events mentioned across this article to best convey Dublin’s bustling atmosphere and friendly scenes during the festive fall month. Check back on the views and reactions rolling in from your engaging footage.

Getting active on Instagram while in Dublin allows you to instantly share trip highlights with friends and family back home gathering likes and comments of support. At the same time, you creatively capture wonderful lifelong memories as you fully immerse yourself in enjoying all that Dublin offers visitors in October.

The post Things to Do in Dublin Ireland in October appeared first on IrishStudies.

“The Auld Triangle” by The Pogues

“The Auld Triangle” by The Pogues is a classic tune that has remained popular through the decades. Written by Dominic Behan and adapted by The Pogues, this beloved Irish folk song wonderfully captures the Irish experience of life in a prison as full of longing and sadness. Though the lyrics make it clear that the singer is having a difficult time, it is undeniably catchy and upbeat. With simple instruments such as an accordion and mandolin, it has remained timeless among Irish music fans around the world. To some, “The Auld Triangle” is an integral part of any Saint Patrick’s Day celebration; but whatever the occasion, its lyrical wit and infectious melody always prove to be crowd-pleasing.

“Danny Boy” by Celtic Woman

“Danny Boy” is a powerful and magical rendition of a timeless classic, made all the more impressive by the incredible harmony of voices heard in Celtic Woman’s version. The traditional Irish melody has never sounded more emotive and evocative than in the hands of these formidable women, as their voices unite to send shivers down your spine. From the choral layers of sound which soar to the heavens, to its sweet yet melancholic tones, “Danny Boy” as performed by Celtic Woman has surely forever sealed its place among the greatest musical masterpieces written by human hands.

“Whiskey in the Jar” by Metallica

“Whiskey in the Jar” by Metallica is an instantly recognizable hard rock classic. Originally an Irish folk song, this version draws upon various traditional Celtic elements to create a truly unique and powerful sound. The incredible guitar riffs and driving drums capture the song’s tale of highway robbery in a lyrical narrative that ties it all together. Released as the lead single from Metallic’s 1999 album, “S&M”, this song has become one of Metallica’s most beloved hits, with its infectious energy and stirring melody sure to stay alive for years to come.

“The Irish Rover” by The Dubliners

The Irish Rover by The Dubliners is an upbeat and whimsical folk song that was first released in 1967. It tells the story of a group of men who take a wild and humorous voyage with the titular vessel – aptly named The Irish Rover. The lyrics are fun and cleverly crafted, creating a vivid picture of their journey as they face challenges on their seafaring mission. This catchy tune has been covered by numerous artists from all corners of the world, becoming an international fan favorite and lasting staple of Celtic music. Its clever rhymes and memorable melodies make it an entertaining tune for all to enjoy!

“I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys

“I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys is an iconic and hard-hitting song. The song was first released in 2005 as part of their album, The Warrior’s Code, and instantly became a crowd favorite. Many may recognize the song from popular films such as The Departed or television shows like Sons of Anarchy. Its use of pounding drums, electric guitar work, and passionate vocals create an electric sense of energy that makes it difficult to resist feeling pulled into its message of resilience and endurance. The words were even originally written by a longtime friend of the band, Woody Guthrie, which adds a unique flavor to the track. Whether you are listening alone or in a packed stadium with friends and family, this explosive piece can take control of any environment it is played in.

“Molly Malone (Cockles & Mussels)” by The Dubliners

“Molly Malone (Cockles & Mussels)” by The Dubliners is an enchanting Irish ballad that transports the listener to the lively streets of 19th-century Dublin. Written in tribute to a local legend, the song tells a story of love and loss with an energy that relies heavily on its captivating rhythm and melodic fiddle parts. While its cheerful chorus heralds Molly as “a wonderful blending of beauty and charm,” there’s also a sadness underlying her tales of selling fish from street to street that resonates long after the last few bars have played.

There are many great Irish songs out there, and these are just a few of our favorites. If you’re looking for some great music to listen to on St. Patrick’s Day, or any day for that matter, give these tunes a try. You won’t be disappointed.

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Think of how many languages there were once upon a time: they were few in number and called “proto-languages”. Over time, the proto-languages ​​spread from place to place. Each of them became the ancestor of its new language. Language families are the largest unit of classification for a language – people who share common linguistic roots.

In addition, languages belonging to the same family tend to split into distinct language groups. These are called “language groups”, which are made up of languages descended from a single “proto-language”. One striking example of language evolution is the multitude of words that exist in languages from different language families. They often have shared roots and grammatical sound structures, phonetic similarities, and lexical correlations. There are now over 7,000 languages from more than 100 unique language families.

Irish is a language of the Celtic group, with related languages in other countries, like England. It’s the official language of Ireland but also enjoys legal standing in other countries too.

So the Russian-speaking immigrants in Ireland caused quite a stir when they asserted that the Russian language was very similar to Irish. What connection does this language have with Irish and what are the differences between them?

All languages are the same age, there is no language that’s more ancient or older than another. Russian and Irish both originated from the same language, which was called Indo-European back when we didn’t really know how it had been called by the speakers themselves. The starting point is one, and, accordingly, the age is one. Basically, Russian, English and Irish are the same language that developed differently in different places. The similarities that likely attract the most attention are, in all likelihood, those pertain to the differences between hard and soft consonants in both Irish and Russian. In Irish, for example, there is a distinction of types of t’s, l’s, etc. An authentic pronunciation is essential for a convincing accent. After all, many Irish people have learned Irish to know how to speak it and each person who has learned it may make their own mistakes.

The Celtic languages are divided into two families – the Goidelic and the Brythonic languages. The Goidelic languages ​​are Irish, Scottish and Manx, on the Isle of Man. Brittonic is Welsh in Wales, Cornish in Cornwall and Breton in Briton. These are separate languages with no mutual understanding. Speakers of Goidelic would not understand British and vice versa. There are two groups of people in this survey: those who speak the same Slavic language and those who speak a different one. On an understanding scale, it was found that speakers of languages shared with the other group were able to understand each other more than those from different language backgrounds.

As far back as the seventeenth century, there was standard Irish that was used in both Ireland and Scotland. In addition, there were also local dialects that were spoken among Irish and Scottish people. However, after the Irish-speaking middle class and aristocracy ceased to exist, the need for people to write or keep records any longer disappeared. Standard Irish has disappeared, which means it no-longer exists and only the various dialects of vernacular Irish that have survived are spoken in Ireland – Irish, Scotland – Scottish. Consequently, it is improbable that modern Scots still revere its legacy.

In Ireland, Irish is compulsory in schools, but unfortunately there’s not much opportunity to use it outside of that. It turns out that students don’t have any incentive to learn it and can’t use it afterwards either. In some Gaeltachts, Irish is still the normal lingua franca, so its function is retained. However, English is making its way more and more into this. The situation is complicated by the fact that for a hundred years since gaining independence, Ireland has not been able to make the Irish-speaking regions cease to be the most economically problematic. That’s why there is a high flow of people out of these areas. So, the issue of employment in these areas is even more important than in many others.

To really understand the grammar of the Irish language, you need to go back in time and explore ancient Irish.

In Ireland, there was an Ogham script. If you would like more information about it, you can find many sources in an encyclopedia. It is best to look into it once and see what you can discover rather than taking the time to describe it through words. While language has many aspects, grammar is independent of a specific writing system. Anyone can write using Latin letters, Cyrillic or hieroglyphs if desired.

Old Irish is a lot different from modern Irish and it has changed a lot over the years.

The Irish Language is a distinctive language. That includes the way it’s written, VSO order, mutations of initial consonants and the existence of two connective verbs. There are also conjugated prepositions that can be found in this language. The Old Irish language has an interesting verbal system: it either uses a “absolute” or “conjunct” inflection. This is decided by where the verb is in the sentence, an unusual feature of Irish verbs was the existence of both deuterotonic and prototonic forms (the difference was in whether the stress fell on the stem or on any inflectional endings added to it).

We need to know the history of the Russian propagandist on Irish.

He is passionate about preserving the Irish language in Kerry.

The Russian speaker has taught Irish at Moscow State University for the past 15 years and now he’s trying to preserve Irish in the Iveragh Peninsula. The village of Ballinskelligs in County Kerry has become a new place for a resident of Moscow State University to visit.

The organization in which the Muscovite works is public. Such organizations are now being selected from those who are ready to do this, and there will be 26 of them all over Irish-speaking regions. Each language planner should be employed there. This is the position he received in this public organization. Linguistic planning in this case refers to the promotion of the Irish language in those regions that are recgonized as Irish-speaking – the Gaeltachts. Not all of them are equally. The Irish language is under pressure from English in all regions. It needs continual support.

Irish spelling can be tricky for English speakers. It is often not taught properly in school and it may lead the individual to believe that this makes the language difficult. In reality, Irish spelling is actually more consistent than English, which relies heavily on either conventions or memorization.

Linguistics experts have identified over 100 different language families, which are not related to each other. However, there is a hypothesis that languages ​​from all over the world come from a single language.

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In the seventeenth century, the first Irish settlers arrived in Canada on French ships during the French colonization of America. In the eighteenth century, Irish fishermen arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador to fish, many of whom remained to live in that province. By 1850 there were more than 500,000 Irish immigrants living in Canada, although many then went to live in the United States. Until 1922 Canada and Ireland were part of the British Empire, hence their international relations were regulated by London. From 1922 to 1937, there was the Irish Free State, which was a British dominion like Canada. In 1929, Canada sent John Hall Kelly to Ireland to become the first Canadian High Commissioner to that country. This took place at a time when London did not allow Canada to have embassies in most countries of the world, and the British representative in Ireland was not allowed to have ambassadorial status. In 1937, Ireland changed its constitution to achieve full independence from Great Britain, but there remained some uncertainty about London’s role in Irish law. In 1931, with the signing of the Statute of Westminster, Canada became a sovereign and independent country. In 1939 Ireland and Canada opened diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.

In 1948 Irish Prime Minister John Costello paid an official visit to Canada, where he declared Ireland a republic. It is still not entirely clear why John Costello made this announcement in Canada. Perhaps he was offended by the behavior of the Governor General of Canada, Harold Alexander, who was of Northern Irish descent and allegedly placed symbols of Northern Ireland at a dinner party with John Costello, in particular a replica of the famous Roaring Mag gun used at the Siege of Derry. According to prior arrangements, the dinner should have included a toast to the King of Great Britain and the President of Ireland, but the result was only a toast to the King, which infuriated the Irish delegation. Shortly after these events, John Costello announced his intention to establish a republic. According to other versions, this decision was not made by him spontaneously, but he planned to announce the establishment of a republic in Canada, and the Irish press made up a story about an unfriendly reception. In 1986, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney announced that Canada would invest $10 million over 10 years in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic to stimulate economic and social development programs. In recent years, Canada has actively supported the peace process in Northern Ireland, with former Chief of Defence Staff John de Chastelan chairing the Independent International Commission on Disarmament of the Confronting Parties. In August 2017, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar came to Canada on an official visit and, together with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, took part in a gay pride parade in Montreal. About 4.5 million Canadians have Irish roots (approximately 14% of Canada’s population).

Trade

In 2015, the volume of trade between the countries amounted to 2.2 billion Canadian dollars. Canada’s exports to Ireland: chemicals, vehicles and equipment, machinery, mechanical and electronic products. Ireland’s exports to Canada: chemical products, specialized tools, and food products. In October 2016, Canada and the European Union (including Ireland) signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

Diplomatic Missions

• Ireland has an embassy in Ottawa.
• Canada has an embassy in Dublin.

The post Irish-Canadian Relations appeared first on IrishStudies.

Unfortunately for the Irish, the plans of both factions of the IRB were uncovered by a provocateur. Anticipating an invasion on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1866, British authorities mobilized 10,000 volunteers to guard the Canadian border. Six British warships patrolled the Canadian coast. However, the day, a favorite holiday of millions of alcoholics around the world, passed peacefully. The Irish invaded Canada on June 1, 1866. A corps of 1,300 men under the command of General O’Neill crossed the Niagara River near Buffalo and occupied several Canadian border villages. The Canadian militia from Toronto and Hamilton, raised on alert, was defeated and lost about 50 men killed and wounded. But as early as June 3, the Irish were attacked by 5,000 British soldiers and 10,000 Canadian volunteers and were forced to retreat across the American border. Attempts by other Irish units to cross the U.S.-Canadian border were foiled by American troops. It is interesting to note that the Irish forces included a detachment of 500 Mohawk Indians and 100 black Civil War veterans.

On June 6, 1866, the Irish made another attempt to invade Canadian soil. They crossed the St. Albans and Vermont rivers and captured the villages of Freeligsburg, St. Armand, Slab City and East Stenbridge before being driven back. By then, President Johnson, fed up with the little war on the northern frontier, had forbidden IRB leaders to undermine U.S. neutrality. The British, in turn, claimed $15 million in reparations from U.S. authorities for the damage caused by the Irish invasion.

Over the next four years, small bands of Irishmen invaded Canada on numerous occasions. The last major invasion took place in May 1870. Several thousand heavily armed Irish Civil War veterans under the command of General O’Neill crossed the border near Franklin, Vermont. After the failure of this attack, the IRB leadership ordered an end to the attempt to invade Canada.

The post The Irish Invasion of Canada appeared first on IrishStudies.

The Irish immigrants were mostly Protestants before the famine years of the 1840s, although some Catholics came during the colonial period to both Canada and the United States when Catholics arrived in large numbers. However, most of the Catholic Irish after 1850 usually went to the United States, because of better economic prosperity and less British association of the British Empire. They also went to England, Australia, or New Zealand.

The 2006 Census by Statistics Canada, the Official Statistics Office of Canada showed that the Irish were the 4th largest ethnic group with 4,354,000 Canadians of full or partial Irish ancestry or 14% of the total Canadian population. This was a large and significant increase of 531,495 since the 2001 census, which counted 3,823,000 respondents indicating Irish ethnicity. According to the 2011 National Home Survey, the population of Irish ancestry has increased since then 2,006 to 4,544,870.

Irish in Canada

Irish has a long and rich history in Canada, dating back centuries. The first recorded Irish presence in the present Canadian area dates from 1536, when Irish fishermen from Cork went to Newfoundland.

After the permanent settlement in Newfoundland by the Irish in the early 19th century, all from Waterford, increased, immigration of the Irish elsewhere in Canada began in the decades after the War of 1812. Between 1825 and 1845, 60% of all immigrants to Canada were Irish; in 1831 alone, approximately 34,000 arrived in Montreal.

But the peak period of Irish entry into Canada in terms of net numbers occurred in the 1830-50 periods, when 624,000 arrived, or 31,000 a year; smaller numbers arrived in Newfoundland. In addition to Upper Canada (Ontario), the Maritime Colonies of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, especially St. John, were popular destinations.

At this time Canada was the destination of the most dispossessed Irish Catholics, purged of the land’s fortunes and the departure of Liverpool’s overcrowded docks, numbering in the hundreds of thousands. The tolls of passage to Canada were much lower than those to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, because of such factors as distance and the use of empty, returning ships of timber to transport the masses.

Demographics

Count, of course, excludes those with some Irish ancestry. Historian and journalist Louis-Guy Lemiux…… claims that about 40% of Quebecers have Irish ancestry on at least one side of their ancestry. Avoided by Protestant speakers of English, it was very common for Catholic Irish to settle among and intermarry with Catholic French speakers. Assuming that many other Francophones throughout Canada similarly have Irish roots, in addition to those who can simply identify as Canadian, the total number of Canadians with some Irish ancestry would exceed 20% of the Canadian population.

Protestant and Catholic Tensions

Tensions between Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics were widespread in 19th-century Canada, with many episodes of violence and anger, especially in Atlantic Canada and Ontario.

The Orange Order, with its two main principles, anti-Catholicism and loyalty to Great Britain, flourished in Ontario. Primarily coinciding with the Protestant Irish settlement, its role permeated the political, social, and community as well as religious lives of its followers. Spatially, the Orange Lodges were founded as an Irish Protestant extension of the settlement north and west of its original focus on the Lake Ontario plains. Although the number of active members, and thus their influence, may have been overstated, Orange influence was considerable and comparable to Catholic influence in Quebec.

In Montreal in 1853, the Orange Order organized speeches by the desperately anti-Catholic and anti-Irish former priest Alessandro Gavazzi, leading to a strong confrontation between the Irish and the Scots. St. Patrick’s Day processions in Toronto were often disrupted by tensions that got out of hand to the point where the parade was cancelled permanently by the mayor in 1878 and not re-established until 110 years later in 1988. The Jubilee riots of 1875 shook Toronto at a time when sectarian tensions ran at their highest. The Irish Catholics in Toronto were a militant minority among the Protestant population, which included a large Irish Protestant contingent, strongly handed over to the Orange Order.

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The Mesolithic culture was brought by hunters from Britain, who were the first settlers on the island. After them, in the 3rd millennium BC, came the Neolithic farmers and stockbreeders.

A wave of Celtic invasions swept the island in the 6th century BC.

The country was fragmented into more than 150 kingdoms and, although the Celts failed to unite Ireland politically, they laid the foundations for linguistic and cultural unity.

The introduction of Christianity in the 5th century is associated with the name of St. Patrick. Ireland did not know the barbarian invasions of the early Middle Ages, and that is partly why the 6th and 7th centuries were marked by the flowering of learning, art and culture, the centers of which were concentrated in the monasteries.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, the country was subjected to regular Viking raids, which, because of its fragmentation, it was unable to resist. The Vikings taxed the whole of Ireland, but at the same time they promoted the development of urban life in Dublin, Cork and Waterford by engaging in trade.

Viking domination ended with the victory of the High King (“ardriaga”) Brian Boru at Clontarf in 1014, but the nascent trend toward a unified state was halted in 1168 by the invasion of the “Normans” – English barons, descendants of the North French knights.

It was they who placed almost three quarters of Ireland under the political control of the Crown of England and for 400 years imposed their own culture, introducing their own laws and institutions (including the parliament). 1297 marked the opening of the session of the first Irish Parliament in Dublin.

In 1315 Ireland was occupied by the Scots and Edward the Bruce proclaimed himself king, but soon died. In 1348 about 1/3 of the island population died of plague. In 1348 about 1/3 of the island’s population died of the plague. In 1541 English King Henry VIII proclaimed himself king of Ireland. Since that time the erosion of the Irish clan system accelerated sharply.

The religious changes taking place in England were also reflected in Ireland, and although the descendants of the Normans, who were called “Old Englishmen,” did not accept the Protestant Reformation, the Irish Anglican Church was formed in the country.

There were several rebellions in the country with national-religious overtones, but they all ended in defeat. In 1603, the Gaelic resistance was finally broken and the English Crown was politically united the whole of Ireland for the first time.

Another rebellion in 1649 ended with the complete defeat of the Irish by Oliver Cromwell’s troops and massive land confiscations.

In 1688 most Irish Catholics came out in support of the deposed English Catholic King James II, but they were defeated at the Battle of the Boyne (1690).

Protestants belonging to the Anglican church monopolized power and land ownership in the country.

In 1798, under the influence of the French Revolution in Ireland, a new rebellion led by Walf Ton aiming at an independent republic broke out. It was put down and Ireland lost what remained of its political autonomy.

In the end. As a result of a bad potato crop in 1840s, Ireland became a famine: in 1846-56 the country’s population reduced from 8 to 6 mln. (1 million died and 1 million emigrated). The “Great Famine” had significant political consequences.

In 1921 the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed, according to which the six counties of northeast Ulster were constitutionalized as Northern Ireland, and the remaining 26 counties formed the Irish Free State with Dublin as its capital, which was part of the British Empire as a dominion. The first government of the new state was headed by William Cosgrave. In 1937 a new Constitution was adopted.

During World War II Ireland maintained neutrality.

In 1948 a fully independent Irish Republic was proclaimed.

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