The Great Irish Famine (1845-1852).
The Famine period saw unprecedented levels of emigration that varied significantly by the region and social class in Ireland. Approximately 1.5 million people left Ireland during these years, while another million died from famine-related causes:
- Western Irish counties saw highest emigration rates
- Some local areas lost over 30% of their population
- Ulster, with its more diverse economy, was less affected
- Coastal areas often saw earlier and higher emigration rates
- Urban areas became gathering points for those seeking passage
There was a changing Emigrant Profile during this period:
- Early Famine emigrants often had some resources - later years saw more destitute families leaving
- Landlords sometimes funded "assisted emigration" schemes
- Previously resistant farming families began leaving
- Higher proportion of whole family groups emigrated
On their Journey and Settlement:
- Many emigrated from ports closest to their homes
- Liverpool became a major transit point
- Ships were often overcrowded with poor conditions
- Mortality rates on "coffin ships" reached 20% or higher
- More emigrants settled in North American urban areas than previous waves
Social Impact on those left behind in Ireland:
- Extended family groups often separated
- Communities redistributed land among remaining residents
- Letters were received from emigrants who both encouraged and warned those back in Ireland
- Altered traditional inheritance and marriage patterns
Port records, ship lists, and contemporary accounts show how emigration patterns changed over these years. Early emigrants often followed established routes to relatives, while later waves created new settlement patterns, particularly in urban areas in the USA.
Post-Famine Emigration (1853-1900).
This period saw more organised emigration:
- Better ships and established routes
- More women emigrating independently (without spouses)
- Strong influence of chain migration - this effect often led to populations continuing to decline in some Irish counties all the way up to 1971
- Many had specific jobs promised/arranged before leaving
- Continued response to land problems in Ireland
- Growing attraction of urban opportunities in the USA
Early to mid 20th Century (1900-1960).
This final major wave that we will mention had some distinct characteristics:
- More urban and educated emigrants
- Better organised transportation
- Many went to specific jobs or family members
- Growing number from small towns
- More likely to have some savings
- Often maintained closer ties with home
My own parents' families left during this period. On my father's side, all four siblings emigrated to the UK and all four returned to Ireland inside 20 years.
On my mother's side, 9 out of 10 siblings emigrated to Canada, the USA and the UK. Four of them returned to Ireland inside 20 years.
What Does This Mean for Your Research?
Looking at Brian's family pattern:
The Byrnes (1795): Likely part of the skilled craftsmen/farming wave
The Kellys (Famine): Part of the largest emigration wave
The Murphys (1902): Representative of the more organised, urban emigration
Key Questions for Your own Research:
What was happening in their location of Ireland when they left? What were the factors that "pushed" your ancestors out of Ireland? What were the opportunities that "pulled" them?
Did they follow established migration patterns?
Did other family members follow later?
What skills or resources did they bring?
In Conclusion.
Understanding emigration waves and patterns can transform your research strategy. When you know which wave your ancestors were part of, you can focus your search in the areas in Ireland most affected during that period. You'll have a better idea of which ports they likely departed from and what route they might have taken.
Perhaps, most importantly, you can look for other families who followed similar paths – these families often maintained connections in both Ireland and America that can provide crucial clues. You'll also know which types of records were created during each period, helping you make the most of available sources.
Slán for now,
Mike.
PS. I'd love to answer every one of your Irish genealogy questions, but there just aren't enough hours in the day! So, if you would like more detailed help - do visit the Green Room.
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