Conference: The Diaspora and the Irish Revolution, 1916-1923

Carlow College, St Patrick’s Research Hub is pleased to host a one-day conference on the theme of ‘The Diaspora and the Irish Revolution, 1916-1923’ which will take place on Friday, 11 June 2021 virtually via Zoom.

As the Decade of Centenaries draws to a close, it is fitting to consider the role played by the Irish Diaspora during the Irish Revolutionary period and examine the impact that Irish emigrants and/or their descendants had on events in Ireland during this time.

By 1923, the exponential growth of the Irish Diaspora, primarily the product of almost eight decades of consistent and sustained emigration, meant that aspirations to, and interpretations of, Irish freedom were characterised by a range of definitions and expectations. The Irish diaspora, unlike the majority of other European diasporas at the turn of the twentieth century, maintained a strong link with the homeland. This connection with home facilitated, encouraged and directly influenced revolutionary activity in Ireland. This, perhaps, is most clearly seen in exploring the polarisation of diasporic republican experiences, primarily in the USA, and diasporic imperial experiences, in places such as Britain and Australia.

We look forward to seeing you from 9.00am-6.00pm on Friday 11 June 2021.