Irish in Australia

People Name:	Irish
Country:	Australia
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	80,000
World Population:	8,464,000
Primary Language:	English
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	93.00 %
Evangelicals:	28.25 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Anglo-Celt
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Irish people have contributed significantly to European and world history, especially through preserving literacy and maintaining a Christian witness in Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Ireland increasingly came under English rule from the Middle Ages onwards. The whole island was politically united with Britain in 1801. During a series of conflicts in the early 1920s, Ireland was partitioned (between north and south) and the territory which now forms the Republic of Ireland gained self-government. Northern Ireland, which continues to form part of the United Kingdom, experienced an intense and prolonged 30-year conflict – known as the Troubles in the late 20th Century, followed by a successful peace process and the formation of a cross-community government.

There has been a significant Irish diaspora in Australia for centuries. Australia has the largest Irish diaspora of any country with the possible exception of the US. The first Irish arrived from 1791-1867 as convicts. Others came to Australia voluntarily. The latter were from the poorest people in the British Isles. Ironically, the Irish were the Europeans who treated Australia’s Aborigines as equals. They sometime intermarried with them.

During the infamous Potato Famine in the 1840s-50s, orphaned girls and women were sent to Australia to work as domestics. Some died in abject poverty while others married older, wealthier men.

What Are Their Lives Like?

English is the everyday language for most Irish people in Australia, and they are essentially integrated. Their ancient Gaelic language is almost forgotten among the Irish diaspora, though it is popular in certain musical genres. Gaelic football, hurling, rugby and soccer are popular sports. The Irish in Australia are represented in just about all walks of life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Irish people describe their religious identity as Roman Catholic. Due to the rapid rise of secularism, many have only a nominal faith. Religious tradition is a significant influence with individuals and families often identifying with Catholicism in a general sense rather than expressing personal faith in Jesus. Irish families are becoming more secular and there is a great need for people to find their real purpose and direction through Jesus.

What Are Their Needs?

Pray for spiritual revival to bless Ireland like it has many times in the past.

Pray that nominal and secular Catholics and Protestants will fully give their lives to Jesus Christ.

Pray for the Irish diaspora to be blessed spiritually and physically by the power and goodness of God.

Pray for the Irish to once again send missionaries to take Christ to the nations.