This day offers a rich exploration of the Irish presence in London, combining hands-on experiences with expert-led talks. Beginning with a choice of in-person activities, either a guided walk through East London highlighting areas shaped by Irish immigrants, or a one-to-one advice surgery at our London Resource Hub.

The morning sets the scene for deeper discovery. In the afternoon, join us in person or online for two engaging talks that trace the long and varied history of the London Irish and introduce the work of the Irish Genealogical Research Society, revealing how Irish lives and stories can be uncovered through records and research. 

Morning - In-person only

Choice of:

• An advice surgery at our Resource Hub in London with Fellow & Vice-President of the Irish Genealogical Research Society  Jill Williams.  You are welcome to bring along any questions about Irish ancestors. 
• A walk around East London with Ian Porter, meeting in Shadwell. The first Irish immigrants to arrive in London in significant numbers tended to be dock workers so they settled in the area between Commercial Road and the Thames, so our walk will be through this area. We will see what was the largest Irish Catholic church in London in the 19th century,  and the attractive (rather sought after these days but very different back in the day) Wapping area, complete with warehouses, wharves and dock walls. We'll also see a wonderful mural of a slightly more recent bit of historical event when Irish, Jewish and all other immigrants came together in a great show of East End solidarity. We then head down Royal Mint Street, which was once 70% Irish as it leads to St Katherines Dock. And throughout the walk you'll be shown some great Victorian photographs.  Transport from the end of the walk to SoG is not included.

Afternoon - Two talks - join in-person or online

2pm The London Irish with Claire Bradley Irish people have a long history in London. They run right through the social strata from the very poorest people to the 1st Duke of Wellington. Over time, they’ve been an integral part of fabric of London, managing theatres like Bram Stoker or decorating the Houses of Parliament like Daniel Maclise. Places like Kilburn, Camden and Shepherd’s Bush still have large populations of people with Irish descent. Join Irish genealogist Claire Bradley for a talk about the London Irish and a discussion of how to find them in records.

3:15pm The Irish Genealogical Research Society with Jill Williams Founded in 1936, the Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS)  is a learned society widely recognised as holding the world’s largest and most important collection of Irish genealogical material in private hands. The society holdings include an invaluable collection of transcripts and abstracts compiled from documents subsequently destroyed in that fire. The basis of the IGRS library has always been donations given by outstanding Irish genealogists of their research and work, and collections of original manuscripts.  This research held on Irish communities is not limited to Ireland and Britain but includes the diaspora in places as disparate as US, Canada, Australia, Spain, France and Argentina.  Jill Williams explains more.

• Attend in-person at our Resource Hub in London where the presenters will be live or watch online via Zoom. The option to choose either online or in-person appears before checkout
• Those attending in-person will also be able to choose between an advice surgery with Jill Williams or a guided walk visiting sites of interest.
• Recordings of the two talks will be available for one month following the event.  Book in advance to receive the recordings.
• £50 for the full day in person. 20% discount for SoG Members
  
• £25 for the two talks viewed online. 20% discount for SoG Members
• Not a Member yet? Find out more about joing us here.

Click here for information about our events.  Contact events@sog.org.uk if you have any questions.