London’s Irish community is one of the city’s oldest and most influential immigrant groups, with a history spanning centuries. From the laborers who built the city’s infrastructure to the artists and writers who shaped its culture, Irish Londoners have left an indelible mark on the British capital. Today, the Irish community continues to thrive, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry while maintaining a strong connection to their roots.
How Many Irish People Live in London?
The 2011 UK Census recorded around 175,000 Irish-born people living in London, but this figure only scratches the surface of the wider Irish diaspora. Including second- and third-generation Irish Londoners, estimates suggest that around 900,000 people in the capital have Irish heritage. This makes the Irish one of the largest ethnic groups in London, with a significant presence in neighborhoods like Kilburn, Cricklewood, and Camden.
A Historical Overview
The Irish connection to London dates back centuries, but the community’s growth accelerated in the 19th century. During the Great Famine (1845–1852), thousands of Irish people fled starvation and poverty, arriving in London in search of work and survival. Many settled in areas like Whitechapel and Bermondsey, often facing dire living conditions and prejudice.
The early 20th century saw further waves of migration, particularly after Irish independence in 1922. Post-World War II, Irish workers were crucial in rebuilding Britain, taking on roles in construction, nursing, and other vital industries. The post-war construction boom gave rise to the term “navvies”, referring to the Irish laborers who built roads, railways, and canals.
“No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs”
But London has not always been welcoming to our cousins from across the sea. Prejudice was not just societal but institutionalized and openly displayed. In the mid-20th century, signs reading “No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs” were seen in the windows of lodging houses and other establishments. These signs epitomized the xenophobia faced by Irish immigrants, who were often viewed as unskilled, unruly, or undesirable by certain sections of British society.
Irish immigrants frequently found themselves competing with other marginalized groups for low-paying jobs and inadequate housing, leading to tensions but also a shared struggle against discrimination. The signs remain a painful symbol of that era, a stark reminder of the systemic barriers the Irish faced in establishing themselves in London.
Despite these challenges, the Irish community demonstrated remarkable resilience, gradually building a foothold in the city’s social, cultural, and economic life.
Where Do the Irish Live in London?
While Irish Londoners are now dispersed across the city, certain neighborhoods remain synonymous with the community:
Kilburn: In the 1950s and 60s, Kilburn became known as “Little Ireland”, a hub for Irish immigrants who flocked to the pubs, churches, and cultural centres that served as lifelines for a community navigating life far from home. Today, Kilburn is still known for its traditional Irish pubs, cultural centres, and Irish-owned businesses.
Cricklewood: Just next door to Kilburn, Cricklewood has long been a home for Irish families, with its bustling streets reflecting a mix of old and new Irish influences.
Camden: A historic landing spot for Irish immigrants, Camden continues to host Irish festivals and events.
Harrow and Ealing: These suburban areas are popular with second- and third-generation Irish families.
Irish Culture in London
The Irish community has enriched London’s cultural landscape in countless ways, from music and literature to theatre and sport.
Music and Pubs
Irish pubs are the beating heart of the community, offering not just Guinness and whiskey but also live music and a sense of home. Famous spots include The Kingdom in Kilburn and The Sheephaven Bay in Camden, where traditional Irish music sessions keep the spirit alive.
London also hosts major Irish music events, like the London Irish Centre’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival and performances by iconic bands such as The Dubliners and The Pogues.
The Irish Literary Legacy
Some of the greatest names in literature—James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde—have links to London, whether through their writings, residencies, or audiences. Today, their influence is celebrated at events like the Bloomsday Festival, named after the protagonist of Joyce’s Ulysses.
Theatre and Arts
Irish playwrights like Sean O’Casey and Martin McDonagh have left a lasting mark on London’s theatre scene. Venues like the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn and the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith regularly showcase Irish plays, films, and art exhibitions.
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Its London Legacy
The relationship between London and Irish history has also been marked by conflict. During the latter half of the 20th century, the activities of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) cast a shadow over the city.
The IRA’s bombing campaigns, part of their fight for Northern Ireland’s independence, brought the Troubles directly to London’s streets. High-profile incidents, such as the bombing of Harrods in 1983 and the Bishopsgate bomb in 1993, left Londoners living in fear of further attacks. These acts of violence, while aimed at drawing attention to the Irish cause, also created deep divisions and resentment toward the wider Irish community.
For many Irish Londoners, the IRA’s actions were a source of profound shame and frustration. The violence not only endangered innocent lives but also reinforced negative stereotypes of Irish immigrants as troublemakers. The community worked hard to distance itself from the IRA’s activities, emphasizing the peaceful and lawful contributions of Irish people to London’s society.
In the years since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which largely ended the conflict in Northern Ireland, the scars left by this period have begun to heal. The IRA’s London campaigns remain a reminder of the complexities of Irish-British relations and the resilience of Irish Londoners in the face of such challenges.
St Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade
St. Patrick’s Day: Every March 17th, London turns green as parades, concerts, and pub gatherings celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. Trafalgar Square becomes the focal point, hosting performances, food stalls, and cultural showcases.
Irish Institutions in London
The Irish community has built a network of institutions that support and celebrate their heritage:
- The London Irish Centre (Camden): Founded in 1954, this iconic hub offers everything from cultural events and Irish dance classes to advice services for new arrivals.
- The Irish Cultural Centre (Hammersmith): A modern venue for Irish arts, film, and music, it’s a space where tradition meets contemporary culture.
- Irish Chaplaincy: This organization provides pastoral care to elderly Irish residents, prisoners, and other vulnerable members of the community.
London Irish Rugby Club
Few institutions embody the spirit of Irish Londoners like the London Irish Rugby Club. Founded in 1898 by a group of Irish expats, the club was created to offer Irishmen in London a place to come together, play rugby, and celebrate their shared heritage.
Nicknamed “The Exiles,” the club has grown from its humble beginnings to become a significant force in English rugby. The team has long represented a bridge between Ireland and England, uniting Irish people living in London with locals who share a passion for the sport.
Initially based at Sunbury-on-Thames, the club moved to Reading’s Madejski Stadium in 2000 to accommodate its growing fan base. In 2021, it made another move, this time back to London at the Brentford Community Stadium, marking a symbolic return to the capital.
The London Irish Rugby Club is about more than just sport—it’s a cultural institution. Match days are vibrant celebrations of Irish heritage, featuring traditional music, food, and plenty of craic. Fans, both Irish-born and London-raised, fill the stands in green, white, and gold, creating an atmosphere that blends sporting passion with community pride. The club’s youth programs also play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of talent, ensuring the legacy of London Irish continues for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As London continues to evolve, so does its Irish community. Whether through preserving traditions, forging new paths, or contributing to the city’s cultural richness, the Irish in London remain a vital part of its story.
From Kilburn’s pubs to the GAA fields of Ruislip, the Irish spirit is alive and well in London. It’s a story of resilience, adaptation, and pride—one that will continue to shape the city for generations to come.
So next time you’re in Kilburn or Camden, raise a pint of Guinness and toast to the Irish community—a cornerstone of London’s multicultural soul. Sláinte!
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