From 'No Irish Need Apply' to Success: The Changing Story of Irish Immigrants in England

A powerful new exhibition at Dublin's EPIC Immigration Museum sheds light on the challenging journey of Irish immigrants in England over the past 200 years. Titled after the infamous discriminatory phrase 'No Irish need apply,' the exhibit explores how Irish migrants faced prejudice, poverty, and hardship while striving for better lives.

With around 500,000 Irish-born people currently living in England, the exhibit uses extensive historical data to reveal how Irish immigrants were once significantly poorer than their English neighbors. Yet, it also highlights the remarkable transformation of the Irish community, from marginalized newcomers to some of England’s most successful professionals today.

Tracing Two Centuries of Irish Migration to England

Irish migration to England has been a constant for over 200 years, with numbers swelling especially after the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. Before 1845, there were over 400,000 Irish-born residents in England, a figure that grew by more than half in the following decades. The 20th century saw major waves during the 1940s-50s and again during the 1980s recession in Ireland.

Since the creation of Northern Ireland, between 25% and 35% of Irish emigrants to England have come from the North, many fleeing economic hardship and political unrest during the Troubles. Work opportunities in England were a major draw, as Ireland struggled with low wages and high unemployment.

The Harsh Reality: Poverty and Discrimination

Research by the London School of Economics, analyzing over 500,000 surnames from the 1911 UK Census, reveals that Irish immigrants and their descendants were on average 50% poorer than their English counterparts throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Vital records tracking infant mortality and life expectancy further illustrate the difficult living conditions faced by the Irish community.

"There was specific discrimination against Irish people in the labour force. There does seem to be an Irish penalty in England.",—Professor Neil Cummins, LSE

Professor Neil Cummins explains that migration was dominated by lower-educated, working-class Irish individuals, which contributed to economic challenges. Discrimination in employment compounded these difficulties, making upward mobility a steep climb for many Irish families.

A Changing Landscape: From Marginalization to Integration

Despite historic hardships, the Irish community in England has seen significant progress, especially over the last 30 years. Dr. Christopher Kissane, curator of the exhibit, notes that since the Celtic Tiger economic boom, Irish emigrants tend to be highly qualified professionals who have integrated well and now rank among England’s best-off groups.

"The Irish have gone from being one of the poorest in England to one of the best off groups in England.",—Dr. Christopher Kissane, EPIC Museum

Holly McGlynn, head of communications at EPIC and a former London resident, shares her positive experience living in England, highlighting how attitudes have shifted. She recalls, "People were always very excited to hear that I was Irish," reflecting a more welcoming and multicultural environment.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Irish Identity in England

The exhibit concludes with a hopeful outlook on the evolving Irish identity in England. While large-scale emigration has slowed, the Irish diaspora continues to thrive, contributing richly to British society. The story of Irish immigrants is now one of resilience, adaptation, and success, transforming a legacy once marked by exclusion into one of pride and achievement.