Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears: Ireland’s Immigration Story

Dr. Elizabeth Stack is the new Executive Director of the American Irish Historical Society (AIHS) in New York. In this webinar, Dr. Stack traces the changing patterns of emigration and how the diaspora has adapted to life in America. She also looks at how Ireland has coped with the exodus of her people, and how for the first time in her history, Ireland has recently received more people than have left.
"I have learned that because emigration is part of the Irish story, and immigration is part of the American story, there is a reciprocity that exists between both countries that exceeds familial ties or time of arrival.”
-Dr. Elizabeth Stack
This webinar was recorded on April 22, 2024 as part of CJAC's Irish Arts Weeks.
More about the American Irish Historical Society here: aihsny.org

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Irish people were not immigrants to Britain, this is not accurate. Before 1948 all people born in the Republic were automatically British citizens entitled to a British passport, the same as the English, Scots and Welsh. When studied accurately lots of Irish history is promoted for political purposes. Irish people were no more immigrants to England in the 50s and 60s, then the Scots or Welsh were. The immigrant myth is similar to the myth that British and Irish culture are somehow different. Gaelic culture exists in various parts of these islands. And how many people are aware the late Queen was related to the O'Brien clan/dynasty. There has been a concerted effort on both sides to stop people knowing the complex history of these islands. It's promoted as polarised, Irish nationalists with their agenda and the British with theirs, namely a historical fear of a Catholic Irelands influence on British politics.