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Irish Abroad

Irish Diaspora in US Mourns Dolly Parton as Nashville Becomes Pilgrimage Site for Irish Fans

Irish emigrants and diaspora communities across the United States are mourning the death of Dolly Parton, with Nashville's Irish community — one of the largest in the American south — gathering to pay tribute to a woman they describe as an honorary Irish person. Irish bars and cultural centres from Boston to San Francisco have been playing her music in tribute.

Conor Brennan26 Aug 2026👁 4

Irish Abroad

Irish Emigrants in Australia Grapple with Guilt and Housing Reality as Emigration Falls 14%

Irish emigration to Australia has fallen by 14% in the past year — nearly three times the average decline in overall Irish emigration — as the reality of housing costs and the emotional toll of distance from family tempers the appeal of the southern hemisphere. New data and personal testimonies reveal a diaspora grappling with complex feelings of guilt, ambition, and belonging.

Conor Brennan

6 min read26 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Irish Activist Faces Five Years in German Prison Over Weapons Company Attack as Dublin Urged to Act

An Irish activist is facing up to five years in a German prison after being charged with attacking a weapons company, with Irish politicians and human rights groups calling on the Irish government to put pressure on Germany over the case. The activist's supporters argue the charges are politically motivated and connected to pro-Palestinian activism.

Conor Brennan

5 min read25 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

UK Tightens Rules for Irish Residents Seeking to Boost British State Pension Rights

The UK government has tightened the rules for Irish residents seeking to top up their British state pension entitlements, with new restrictions on voluntary National Insurance contributions affecting thousands of Irish people who worked in Britain and returned home. The changes, which took effect this month, have been described as a 'significant blow' to those planning their retirement.

Conor Brennan

6 min read25 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Irish Music Takes Centre Stage on US National Public Radio as NPR's World Cafe Launches Dublin Series

Irish music is taking centre stage on US National Public Radio as NPR's World Cafe programme launches a two-week 'Sense of Place: Dublin' series from 24 August to 4 September, featuring CMAT, Dermot Kennedy, Hozier, SPRINTS, Madra Salach, and archival performances from U2 and Sinéad O'Connor.

Conor Brennan

5 min read24 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Ireland's Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030 Sets Out 23 Commitments to Deepen Ties with Global Irish Community

The Irish government's Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030, launched in May, sets out 23 specific commitments to deepen ties with the global Irish community, including a record €17.5 million allocation for the Emigrant Support Programme. The strategy follows the most extensive consultation in the state's history, including the first-ever Global Irish Survey.

Conor Brennan

5 min read24 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Annmarie O'Reilly Murder: Irish Man Charged in Melbourne as Tipperary Family Pays Tribute

A 45-year-old Irish man has been charged with the murder of Annmarie O'Reilly, a 39-year-old mother of three from Clonmel, County Tipperary, who was found dead at her home in Ferntree Gully, Melbourne, on Friday morning. The accused, also an Irish national from County Waterford, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody.

Conor Brennan

5 min read23 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Irish Sheepdog Handler from Tyrone to Represent Ireland at World Championships in Gloucestershire

A County Tyrone sheepdog handler is among the 15 Irish qualifiers who will represent Ireland at the International Sheepdog Trials in Gloucestershire in September, following the conclusion of the ISDS Irish National Sheepdog Trials at the Stuart Hall Estate in Stewartstown, County Tyrone. The event, which drew 150 of Ireland's top handlers, was one of the most competitive in recent years.

Conor Brennan

5 min read23 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Mór Fest Launches as New York's First Fully Irish Five-Day Festival Near Madison Square Garden

New York City has welcomed its first fully Irish five-day festival, Mór Fest, hosted near Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, bringing Irish music, food, culture, and community to the heart of one of the world's great cities. The inaugural event has drawn thousands of visitors and been hailed as a landmark moment for the Irish-American community.

Conor Brennan

5 min read22 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Catalpa Rescue Memorial Fundraiser Draws Irish-American Community to Manhattan as 150th Anniversary Approaches

The Irish-American community in New York has gathered at Ernie O'Malley's in Manhattan for a talk and fundraiser supporting the creation of a memorial to the 1876 Catalpa rescue, one of the most daring episodes in Irish republican history. The event comes as the 150th anniversary of the rescue approaches, with organisers seeking to ensure the story is properly commemorated.

Conor Brennan

5 min read22 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Irish Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030 Reaches First Milestone as Emigrant Support Fund Distributes €17.5 Million

Ireland's Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030, launched at the Fourth Global Irish Civic Forum at Croke Park in May, has reached its first significant milestone with the distribution of €17.5 million through the Emigrant Support Programme to Irish communities in 21 countries. The strategy, which outlines 23 commitments across five thematic areas, reflects a significant shift in how Ireland engages with its diaspora, with Australia now overtaking the United States as the primary destination for Irish emigrants.

Conor Brennan

5 min read21 Aug 2026

Irish Abroad

Troy Parrott Completes €20 Million Move to Real Betis as Irish Striker Targets Andalusian Adventure

Dublin-born striker Troy Parrott has completed a reported €20 million transfer from AZ Alkmaar to Real Betis, joining the Seville-based La Liga club for what promises to be the most significant chapter of his career to date. The 24-year-old, who has been one of the most consistent performers in the Eredivisie over the past two seasons, will now test himself in Spanish football after a career that has taken him from Tottenham Hotspur's academy to the Netherlands.

Conor Brennan

5 min read21 Aug 2026