The Irish in Australia: For Queensland and Country

With around 72,000 Irish estimated to be living here, Ireland sit in 19th position in a ‘country of birth’ league table of immigrants living in Australia as residents. (Source Wikipedia)

That doesn’t sound a lot, but Ireland’s population is fewer than 5 million and yet they are only two places behind the United States in this table. So proportionately, the Irish are certainly pulling their weight.

These numbers probably don’t include those here on temporary visas, for example Working Holiday Visas, and I imagine there are quite a few of those. When we were on holiday in Darwin earlier in the year, it seemed that the Irish were everywhere. They served us food, topped up our drinks, and even took us crocodile hunting.

They appeared to be just about everywhere.

Irish Queenslander

Closer to home, a few months ago I was contacted by Mary who was starting an exciting new venture, a free bimonthly printed magazine called Irish Queenslander, or IQ.

Irish Queenslander

She wondered if I had any Irish blood in me and as it happens, I do. My grandad, Christopher, was born in Ireland as was my Irish great grandad who had the very Irish name of Patrick and, of course, my surname is Kiernan.

Well kiss the Blarney Stone and pass me a pint of Liffey water!

Having established my Irish credentials, I now have an article included in the magazine…

Bobinoz in IQ

As they say on their website, “Irish Queenslander is the only news, events, features and sports print publication produced exclusively for the Irish community in Queensland.”

And very good it is too. If you live in or around Brisbane you can pick up your free copy from selected outlets. For those elsewhere in Australia or even anywhere in the world, you can view the magazine online, including back issues, over at IrishQueenslander.

So, that’s sorted out the Irish in Queensland, but what about elsewhere around Australia?

Update: The Irish Queenslander is no longer in print.

Irish Around Oz

Then a couple of weeks ago I got an email from Stephen; he is originally from Cork but migrated to Perth in July of this year. He has started a website called Irish Around Oz.

Irish Around Oz

As the tagline says, “Helping you settle a little easier into Australia. 100% Irish, list your ad for free and connect with the thousands of Irish around oz. Sláinte

For those of you who don’t have the benefit of my Irish ancestry, Sláinte means “to your health” or possibly even “cheers”. (Thanks Google!)

He also has an Irish Around Oz blog

Irish Around Oz Blog

As you can see from the above image, they have an article about 50 things you need to know before moving to Australia. Item number 2 says “The Irish sense of humour doesn’t travel.”

Well, I’m not sure Jimeoin would agree with that, or this bloke. Here’s my Friday YouTube and what’s this? An Irishman calling Australia backwards?

Visa Assessment Service
{ 9 comments… add one }
  • christian October 19, 2013, 11:48 am |

    cant get away from em, we move half way around the world and my daughter is dating a dubliner lol !

    • BobinOz October 19, 2013, 8:34 pm |

      What are the chances eh? Love moves in mysterious ways…

  • Stephen October 18, 2013, 8:14 pm |

    Hi Bob, fantastic article! 🙂 Great stuff!

  • rory corbett October 18, 2013, 8:13 pm |

    I think Mary from Irish Queenslander is fantastic….but then I am her husband. 🙂

    • BobinOz October 18, 2013, 9:41 pm |

      Mary? Is this you again? 🙂 🙂

      • BobinOz October 18, 2013, 9:42 pm |

        (Sorry Rory, couldn’t resist.)

  • Mary Allen October 18, 2013, 8:05 pm |

    Thank you Bob, and it seems the Irish sense of humour does travel – down the generations in your case 🙂 You are a huge asset to the magazine and thank you so much for taking part!

    • BobinOz October 18, 2013, 9:40 pm |

      Thanks Mary, I appreciate your kind words. 🙂

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