Wherever Green is Worn: The Story of the Irish Diaspora

by Tim Pat Coogan

The population of Ireland is five million, but 70 million people worldwide call themselves Irish. Here, Tim Pat Coogan travels around the globe to tell their story. Irish emigration first began in the 12th century when the Normans invaded Ireland. Cromwell's terrorist campaign in the 17th century drove many Irish to France and Spain, while Cromwell deported many more to the West Indies and Virginia. Millions left due to the famine and its aftermath between 1845 and 1961. Where did they all go? From the memory of the wild San Patricios Brigade soldiers who deserted the American army during the Mexican War to fight on the side of their fellow Catholics to Australia's Irish Robin Ned Kelly, Coogan brings the vast reaches of the Irish diaspora to life in this collection of vivid and colourful tales. Rich in characterization and detail, not to mention the great Coogan wit, this is an invaluable volume that belongs on the bookshelf of every Celtophile.

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction, Irish Literature, European History

786 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2000

About the author

Timothy Patrick Coogan is an Irish historical writer, broadcaster and newspaper columnist. He served as editor of the Irish Press newspaper from 1968 to 1987. Today, he is best known for his popular and sometimes controversial books on aspects of modern Irish history, including The IRA, Ireland Since the Rising, On the Blanket, and biographies of Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera.

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous survey of the vast Irish diaspora, told in history, anecdote, personal diary, and letters from abroad to back home. While the history and presence of the Irish in the US is pretty well known, this book widens the picture and showcases Irish expats and their descendants all over the world. I read it in bits and pieces over months, but I very much enjoyed the journey.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'll have to set some time aside for this one, clocking in as it does at almost 700 pages; however, for a combination of in-depth information and readability, Coogan's work can't be beat. If you are at all interested in the history of both the Irish as a people, and "Irishness" as an idea, it's worth the patience it takes to get through this one.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This huge tome takes some effort to read. But I had my reasons. This is unlike any history book that I know. Imagine an Irishman in an Irish pub with Guinness in hand regaling you with gossip and stories from modern Irish history. That’s what you get here, all relating to the Irish Diaspora.

[Paul Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly interesting but dated (published in 2000) information about the Irish diaspora. Being part of the diaspora I was drawn to the theme but I felt that the world has changed in the 24 years years since its publication. I let it go after reading the part about France where I live and I don't feel I'll be missing much by leaving it unfinished.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read the part about the Irish Americans and need to go back and read the rest! Wonderful source of information on the reasons the Irish immigrated and how they developed once in America!

[K. Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'll have to set some time aside for this one, clocking in as it does at almost 700 pages; however, for a combination of in-depth information and readability, Coogan's work can't be beat. If you are at all interested in the history of both the Irish as a people, and "Irishness" as an idea, it's worth the patience it takes to get through this one.