Ireland and emigration have a long relationship. Generations have left these shores Patrick Gallagher reporting for '7 Days' in 1967 refers to this movement of people "as being part of our Irishness."
In the early 2000s Ireland had the new experience of immigration as thousands came from other countries to earn a living or make a new life here. A return to recession years brought difficulties for many people as unemployment and the cost of living rose sharply. Emigration again became an option for many.
Presented here are some emigration stories covered by RTÉ Television spanning six decades. The reports range from the impact of emigration on rural areas in the west of Ireland, to the experiences of those living in London, Europe and New York. Theses stories show the effect on those who are left behind and the realities for many of those who never returned home. Even a world made smaller by technology and cheaper travel cannot numb the pain of parting.
With the economy in decline emigration is once again a reality for many Irish people.
Production Year
2009
Contributor
Tadhg Enright (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
Emigration from Killasser
The effect of emigration in the west of Ireland. A report looking at the parish of Killasser in county Mayo and the dwindling population as young people leave the area.
Production Year
1967
Contributor
Cathal O'Shannon (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
"All The Men Will Be Leaving For England Again"
The impact on families in the west of Ireland when the time comes for the men to travel to England for work.
Production Year
1972
Contributor
Patrick Gallagher (Reporter)
Joe Mulhollhand (Producer)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
Thousands Look To Go Abroad For Work
Thousands of people explore the option of emigrating at a jobs fair in Dublin in 2012.
Production Year
2012
Contributor
Joe Mag Raollaigh (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
The Irish in Munich
Young Irish people living and working in Munich, Germany.
Production Year
1989
Contributor
Kieron Wood (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
Emigration Part of Our Irishness
Emigration has become a major part of Irish life. Willie O'Reilly has spent 35 years going back and forth to England. On the boat once again he talks of his experiences as an emigrant.
Production Year
1967
Contributor
Patrick Gallagher (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
Irish Men Build Nuclear Power Plant
An extract from a 'Radharc' film reporting on the many Irish men working on the construction of a nuclear power plant at Oldbury, Bristol in England.
Production Year
1964
Contributor
Peter Lemass (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
"This Country Has Gone To The Dogs Altogether For Work."
The numbers of people looking to emigrate from Ireland in 1982 has increased considerably. However in many countries the number of visas being issued is being reduced.
Production Year
1982
Contributor
Conall Morain (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
"You Have No Idea How Bad French Television Is"
Young Irish people living in Paris, talk about work, French men and women and French television.
Production Year
1989
Contributor
Anne Marie Hourihane (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
London Streets Not Paved With Gold
In 1985 the number of young Irish people emigrating to London is increasing. What can they expect in their new surroundings?
Production Year
1985
Contributor
Andrew Kelly (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
Ballinrobe to the Bronx
The ever present problem of emigration the effect it has on the town and people of Ballinrobe. How the Irish in the Bronx, New York are coping.
Production Year
1989
Contributor
Jerry O'Callaghan (Reporter)
EMIGRATION ONCE AGAIN
"My Heart is Still There"
An extract from a 'Prime Time Investigates' programme looking at the neglect of generations of economic migrants. These Irish people are forgotten by the country of their birth and often ignored by their adopted home.
Production Year
2003
Contributor
Paul Rouse (Reporter)
Niamh O'Connor (Producer/Director)
