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."
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. These 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.
