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This website was written to help Canadians
understand the culture of the Irish people. You may be involved in
an organized HOST program, or you may have Irish colleagues at work
or Irish students at your school. Whatever the reason for your
interest, this profile will tell you something about Ireland
and Irish culture.
The Irish began immigrating to Canada as early
as the 18th century. By the 1830s, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Upper and Lower Canada had
significant Irish populations. During the great Potato Famine of the
1840s, millions of Irish left their homes. Many went to Canada, but
left within a few years to settle in the United States. Most of the
current Irish-Canadian communities were established before the famine.
About 13% of the Canadian population is of Irish descent. |
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In the past, the Catholic Irish who immigrated
to Canada included many low-income families. They struggled to establish
themselves and their integration into Canadian society was slow. In
contrast, the Protestant Irish were better off and quickly established
themselves as farmers. Today, the Irish who immigrate to Canada are
generally students or skilled professionals.
Although this cultural profile provides insights
into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs
described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Ireland. |
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Did you know? |
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Famous Irish-Canadians include Guy Carleton, governor
of Quebec in the 18th century, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, one of the fathers of
Confederation, and Timothy Eaton, founder of the T. Eaton Company.
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Summary Fact Sheet |
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| Official Name |
Republic of Ireland |
| Capital City |
Dublin |
| Type of Government |
Republic |
| Population |
3.6 million |
| Area |
70,282 sq. km |
| Major Ethnic Group |
Irish |
| Languages |
English, Irish Gaelic |
| Religions |
Roman Catholicism, Protestantism |
| Unit of Currency |
Irish Pound |
| National Flag |
Three vertical bands of green, white and orange |
| Date of Independence |
April 18, 2022 |
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Did you know? |
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In 1998, Parks Canada unveiled a monument to Irish
immigrants on Grosse Ile in the St. Lawrence River. Irish immigrants were
quarantined on the island before they entered Canada. In the 1830s, thousands
of Irish people died of cholera there and in the 1840s, thousands more died
of typhus and were buried on the island.
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