Emigration - Level B - Text

Emigration from Northern Ireland - a historical overview 

For centuries, many people from Northern Ireland have emigrated to other countries. Their reasons were often connected to poverty, lack of opportunities, and political or religious discrimination. Most hope to find a better life.

From 1717 to 1775, large numbers of people left the region of Ulster. Many of them were Protestant farmers known as Ulster Scots, who faced religious disadvantages and economic hardship. They emigrated to North America, where they hoped to find land, freedom and work. 

From 1775 to 1783, the American War of Independence took place. After this war, the new United States became the main destination for emigrants from Ireland. In 1801, Ireland became part of the United Kingdom, but life remains difficult for large parts the population, especially in rural areas, many people had little access to education or land.

Between 1845 and 1852, the country was hit by the Great Famine. The failure of the potato harvest led to extreme hunger. Over 1,000,000 People died. And more than a million others emigrated.

From around 1850 to 1900, a second large wave of emigration followed. People from both the North and South of Ireland left their homes seeking better conditions in countries like the USA, Canada or Australia.

In 1858, the Ulster Emigration Aid Society was established to support families planning to emigrate. It provided information and practical help for their journey.

By 1861, the US Census showed that about one 6,000,000 people in the United States had come from Ireland, many of them from the North.

In 1892, Ellis Island was opened in New York as the main immigration station. It became the gateway to a new life for thousands of Irish people.