Italian Immigrants: Why Do They Move To Ireland?

While Italian immigrants have never been on a massive scale in Ireland compared to other countries like the United States or Argentina, there has been a historical presence of Italians in Ireland dating back to the 19th century. The Italian Immigrants community has had a lasting impact on Irish society: their contributions to the economy, culture and social life have helped shape modern Ireland, enhancing an interesting meeting between the two nations.

Historical Italian Immigration to Ireland

19th Century Migration

In the 19th century, before the first real emigrants from Italy arrived in Ireland, a number of architects, designers, stucco workers, as well as singers and musicians came to this country. They were not emigrants, as they were called for their services by a number of well-to-do Irish families.

Unification of Italy did not immediately lead to economic prosperity. Many people, especially in the south, faced poverty and lack of employment opportunities. For this reason many Italians sought better lives abroad.

The main trades in which Italians emigrating to Ireland specialised in were related to handicraft: they contributed to building projects, bringing expertise in plasterwork, stucco and terrace flooring. Also, at the time, the influence of the Catholic church in Ireland was an attractive point for Italian migrants, searching for cultural and religious integration and connection.

Early 20th Century

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian families began settling in Ireland and established small businesses, notably in the food sector. The first fish and chips were sold by an Italian immigrant called Giuseppe Cervi, who mistakenly stepped off a North America-bound ship at Queenstown in County Cork in the 1880s and walked all the way to Dublin. He started by selling fish and chips outside Dublin pubs from a handcart.

Ice-cream was also a big success, indeed their ice-cream parlours became and still are popular across Irish towns and cities.

All the relevant enterprises that continued to make their way in Irish business, have at the same time created the first small Italian communities, born from long established relationships and families. It was the beginning of a chain migration and many friends from their hometown started joining them in Ireland.

World Wars Period

During the World Wars, Italian immigration to Ireland was influenced by a combination of socio-political factors and economic conditions.

After World War I, Italy experienced significant social and political upheaval, which prompted further emigration. Many Italians searched for a better life abroad: in Ireland, the Italian community continued to grow, although they faced challenges such as discrimination due to their nationality during times of conflict.

After World War II, Europe was in a state of rebuilding and there was a huge demand for labour, therefore some Italians moved to Ireland during this period to take part in reconstruction efforts.

Modern Era (Late 20th to Early 21st Century)

With both countries being members of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, later the European Union (EU), freedom of movement allowed many Italians to migrate more easily to Ireland for work, study or personal reasons.

Speaking of which, for cultural and educational reasons, Italians found themselves with the push to learn the English language at Irish universities and institutions, thanks to modern academic collaborations in Ireland.

Another important point of attraction was the so-called “Celtic Tiger” era, which referred to Ireland’s economic boom from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, which without any doubt caught the attention of many immigrants from across Europe. Italian professionals in fields like technology, finance and pharmaceuticals found convenient job opportunities in Ireland.

Community Development

Although Italians in Ireland wish to integrate with the local people, they still retain a strong sense of identity and community. There are many examples of this like the Italian organisations: over the years, Italians associated together to promote their language, culture and heritage through events and festivals (check the Italian Institute of Culture in Dublin).

Italian immigrants have really integrated into Irish society while also influencing it, particularly in cuisine, with amazing restaurants and cafes.

• Italian Institute of Culture

Notable Individuals and Families

Nico, De Mascio, Fusco, and Caffola are just some of the Italian family names commonly found in Dublin.

Ruggero and Angela Nico, owners of Nico’s restaurant on Dame Street in Dublin, are the example of Italian Immigrants that brought their heritage and passion to Dublin. Unfortunately the restaurant closed its doors a few years ago, but remains one of the oldest and traditional Italian eateries loved in Ireland. It’s a symbol of Italians’ connections with Italy and the level of integration they have made in Irish society.

When we talk about business contributions, families like the Fuscos and Macaris became well-known for their establishments in the food industry, especially in Dublin and other urban centres. For example, the Macari family owns Romayo’s restaurant and they served Dublin area freshly prepared quality food since 1959.

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Current Italian Trace in Ireland

In recent decades, Ireland has become an attractive destination for Italian immigrants and there are plenty of reasons for this.

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Economic Opportunities

In addition to the already mentioned “Celtic Tiger” era, and even after the global financial crisis of 2008, Ireland’s economy rebounded robustly, offering foreign people better employment opportunities.

One of the most popular current employment sectors followed by the Italians is accommodation and food services: a significant portion of the Italian community continues to work in the catering industry. Many are involved as chefs, restaurant managers and catering assistants, contributing to the vibrant food culture scene in cities like Dublin.

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Language Advantages and Educational Opportunities

Another really key factor of Italian Immigration in Ireland are language advantages. Moving to Ireland provides Italians the chance to improve their English skills, which are valuable in the global market.

Moreover, Irish universities attract an increasing number of international students with programs taught in English, so Italians also consider studying here a choice for higher education. Let’s think about the Erasmus program as the perfect example of an opportunity to get to know different cultures and maybe decide to stay long term.

There are also many research opportunities in universities that may attract some Italian academics and scientists.

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Cultural Scene

But what about Social Life? Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, music and arts scenes can be appealing to many Italians. Also, Irish people have a welcoming and friendly attitude towards immigrants and existing Italian communities and institutions help newcomers feel at home.

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Technological Hub

Ireland hosts European headquarters for many global tech companies like Google or Facebook (Meta Platform), providing job opportunities for those interested in this area. Therefore it can be very useful for Italians passionate about the ICT sector to move here and improve their own career.

Italian professionals of the ICT sector may work in this field in Ireland and apply in different roles, such as software developers, data analysts or IT project managers. This reflects how Ireland has become a hub for technological companies and the growing demand for workers in this area.

Personal and Family Reasons

In the end, one of the deepest reason that can be hidden behind many life choices are relationships. Some Italians might move to Ireland due to personal relationships or family bonds. It can be common for international people to meet abroad and start a family and a new life in a different country than the one they were born in.

It may also be, however, that the reasons that give the impulse to many Italians to come to Ireland are more personal: desire to grow and try new experiences, get out of their comfort zone and undertake an adventure in another country, and much more.

Final Thoughts

Being Italian myself and having arrived almost a month and a half ago here in Ireland, I feel that I can empathise with what is reported here and I believe that this kind of life choice can bring many personal benefits that must be discovered over time. However, the security is that going abroad makes you change because it tests you and “forces” you, but in a beautiful way, to discover new things about yourself and your role in the world.