Irish: The Remarkable Saga of a Nation and a City

by John Burrowes

Irish is the story of the mass migration from Ireland to Glasgow that took place in the wake of the Great Famine of the mid-nineteenth century. It is an epic account of the coming together of a nation and a city. This is the tale of those who escaped a nightmare existence in the poorest and most deprived country in Europe and changed the city of Glasgow forever. Irish brings to life the horrot of those grim days and reveals the unimaginable suffering endured as a result of the Potatoe Blight. It describes in vivid detail the hazards and hardships faced by those fleeing Ireland in search of a better life overseas, including a startling account of one of the most deplorable maritime crimes ever committed, the voyage of the SS Londonderry. The coming of the Irish to Glasgow had a bigger impact on the city than other event. Now, for the first time, the truth about this most significant and stirring episode is vividly unfolded. It tells of the contribution made by Irish labourers in Glasgow to the Industrial Revolution; reveals that the legendary football clubs of Celtic and Rangers may never have existed were it not for the migrant's arrival; and describes the "Partick War", and the occasion of the first-ever Orange Walk.

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Alasdair MacCaluim]

A very readable and enjoyable account of the contribution of the Irish in Glasgow. It really brings the times, places and people mentioned to life. It gives a real flavour of the magnitude of the impact of the Irish on the city and of the life of the Glasgow Irish.

I only have a couple of very minor quibbles about the book. Firstly, while it isn't an academic book, it is lacking in references. This is a real pity as if it limits its use by historians.

Secondly, there is very little about the Irish language. Many or most of the emigrants fleeing the famine were Irish speakers and it would have been interesting to learn about language shift and retention in Glasgow. Likewise, it would have been interesting to read about the Gaelic revival and the work of Conradh na Gaeilge in Glasgow - who are still active in the city today.

Finally, while there is some discussion about the Irish home rule movement in Glasgow, it would have been good if this had been covered in more detail.

An amazing book - highly recommended!

[Iain Hamill]

Interesting read. Burrowes spends a lot of time setting the scene and the historical context is helpful to bring the story to life, even if the editing could be a little tighter. Throughout the book, and acknowledged briefly in the very last chapter, the focus is on Irish Catholics. It would be interesting to hear more on the Irish Protestants and the Ulster-Scots links in particular, although admittedly that might be a separate book.

[Julia]

Loved this book. So much information and such an interesting read. Would definitely recommend if you want to know more on the Irish immigrant inflow in Scotland! Favorite line: ‘What butter or whisky will not cure, there’s no cure for.’

[Stephen Joyce]

Enjoyable popular history. Bit repetitive.

[steve whelan]

Irish Glasgow

Found it interesting but a bit repetitive,learned a few bits I never knew about ,but really it could’ve been a shorter book,okay though

[Graham F Robinson]

Remarkable.

Remarkable in every way, a truly enlightening account of Scottish/ Irish history and a huge lesson to be learnt by all.

[Tbrowne]

A must for all Irish people and why we should welcome emigrants and refugees with open arms. A great read,

[George Paterson]

Superb document. Heartbreaking at times but magnificently written.