While Irish immigrants may not have been the first settlers to brave the North American frontier, by the end of the 19^th century they made up a significant proportion of New Brunswick’s population and contributed much to the early settlement of the province.

In this section we explore some of the causes of Irish immigration to New Brunswick by examining conditions in both Ireland and New Brunswick that led so many to seek a new home in a strange land. We also take a look at what the Irish experienced when they arrived and how the social and political environment were influenced by our early ancestors.

We strive to present a balanced persepective in our discussions on the Irish in New Brunswick therefore we welcome additional essay contributions for publication under these topics, or suggestions for additional topics in each category of the “Irish Trail of New Brunswick” section on this site.

1.)Triggers contributing to Irish emigration:
– Farewell to Erin: What Motivated the Exodus?
By Mary Kilfoil McDevitt, Archivist, Diocese of Saint John

2. Triggers contributing to Irish immigration to New Brunswick:
 –Why New Brunswick? Triggers Contributing to Irish Immigration

3. The Irish Immigrant Experience
 –Almost as Bad as Ireland: The Experience of the Irish Immigrant in Canada – Saint John,1847
By James M. Whalen

4. Settlement patterns within New Brunswick:
– Irish Settlement Patterns
By Linda Evans

5. The effect of New Brunswick’s geography and natural environment of Irish settlement:
– New Brunswick's Natural Environment and Climate Challenged Early Irish Immigrants 
By Linda Evans

6. Irish migration within New Brunswick:
– Irish Migration Within New Brunswick

7. Irish immigration and New Brunswick’s political climate –
 Our Irish “troubles”: Be the first to submit an article on this topic!! Use the “Contact us” in the menu at left to contribute.

8. Representative Settlements – planned & unplanned:
– Johnville – A Planned Community

– Melrose – A Village Transplanted

– Memramcook – An Irish Community Amongst the Acadian Population

– Nelson – A Timber Community

– Saint John – An Urban Community