With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, we thought it would be an interesting time to delve into the Irish heritage of St. John’s and Newfoundland.
When Europeans first came to Newfoundland, it was primarily English, Scottish and, yep, Irish people who settled in the area. That heritage remains strong to this day. In fact, Vaughan‘s father is of Irish descent and grew up in Tilting, Fogo Island. Tilting is widely known for the strength of its Irish roots, retaining much of the customs and dialect of early Irish settlers in Newfoundland. It has even been designating as a Registered Heritage District by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador.
Image: heritagefoundation.ca
An 1836 census commissioned by the Newfoundland government showed the population to be half Irish. Of those, nearly 75% lived in the St. John’s area. Most of the Irish migrants to Newfoundland were the area around Waterford in southeastern Ireland. That in itself makes Newfoundland unusual — most other significant Irish populations in Canada were drawn from all over the Emerald Isle! Those migrants are a big part of the unique culture Newfoundland has today! The most obvious reminder of this heritage is the Irish Loop, where you’ll still find many people with Irish surnames and a thick brogue.
Because of that strong heritage. Irish holidays — most notably, St. Patrick’s Day — are also major holidays in St. John’s and around Newfoundland. St. Patrick’s Day often becomes a long weekend for Newfoundlanders as they enjoy the green beer and Irish stew on offer in the local pubs. There’s always lots going on for St. Patrick’s Day, such as Celtic music and Irish dancing.
Erin go Bragh! Ireland for ever!