Institute of Texan Cultures' Texans Series
The Irish have a long history of being controlled by outside forces. In 1602 the Irish lost the Battle of Kinsale to the English. For the next 320 years, the English controlled Ireland and denied its people opportunities for education and political representation. The Irish also experienced religious persecution under English control. The Anglican Church was the official Church of England, while the Irish were predominately Catholic.
The Irish attempted to overthrow English rule many times. Each time the Irish were defeated, a new wave of emigrants left Ireland. Some Irish moved to France, Spain and Austria, and then later waves of immigrants moved to New Spain and Texas.
Many emigrants left Ireland in the 1840s as a result of The Potato Famine. Potatoes were the main staple of the Irish diet, and when crops failed, starvation and sickness destroyed the population. 750,000 Irish died as a result of the famine and another 2 million emigrated. Many believed that the British failed to respond to the seriousness of the Potato Famine, and some Irish moved to Texas in search of a better life.
Handbook of Texas
- IrishThis article details how the Irish came to Texas, where they settled in Texas, and the impact they had on Texas.
Selected Books
Land!: Irish Pioneers in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas by Call Number: F395 .I6 D38 2002Also, available as an e-book.- "The Irish of Staggers Point", Robertson County, Texas byCall Number: F395 .I6 G344 1973 (ITC Library)
Organizations
- Celtic Heritage Society of the Permian BasinThe Celtic Heritage Society of the Permian Basin was founded on a demonstrated need, in the Permian Basin and West Texas, for educational and cultural events, which exhibit the rich Celtic heritage.
- Harp and Shamrock Society of TexasThe Society celebrates Irish heritage through various events throughout the year in the San Antonio area; including the annual Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Hooley every September, Donovan's Run 5k, Shamrock Scramble golf tournament, and the South Texas Alamo Irish Festival, held annually on the second Saturday in March at the University of the Incarnate Word.
- Irish-American Society of DallasThe Irish-American Society (IAS) is a social organization that sponsors annual events such as a St. Patrick’s Day Ball, a Christmas party, a family picnic, and a talent show sponsors annual events such as a St. Patrick’s Day Ball, a Christmas party, a family picnic, and a talent show.
- Southwest Celtic Music AssociationThe Southwest Celtic Music Association was formed to study, perform, promote and preserve traditional Celtic music, dance and culture in the Southwest.
Festivals
- Austin Celtic FestivalThe largest gathering of Celts in Central Texas returns for its 22nd Annual Celtic Fest. Internationally acclaimed as one of the few remaining festivals that celebrate the authentic music honed by the Celtic people. The Austin Celtic Festival goes beyond gimmicks to highlight traditions and achievements in a way that reminds audiences of the extraordinary craftsmanship and study that made places like Ireland & Scotland leaders in folk music and dance.
- North Texas Irish FestivalThis event held on the State Fairgrounds in Dallas celebrates all things Irish. Food, music, and storytelling bring Irish culture alive at this event.
- Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland GamesThe Sherman Celtic Festival explores and celebrates various cultural and historical connections which link the United States to the Celtic peoples.
- West Texas Celtic Fair and Highland GamesHeld in Midland always on the 2nd weekend of March. This event celebrates Celtic life with traditional music, food, and athletic competitions.