Irish–Canadian emigration homecoming celebrated in Ireland for the first time in 200 years

Irish Canadian emigration homecoming celebrated in Ireland for the first time in 200 years. Taoiseach Mícheál Martin pictured with all speakers at the conference. Photo: Brian O’Keefe

Taoiseach joined 190 descendants from Canada and the United States in Ballyhoura for an Irish Canadian emigration homecoming celebration

A total of 190 descendants of the Peter Robinson settlers travelled from Canada and the United States to the Ballyhoura region from 15–21 September for a historic Homecoming that, for the first time on Irish soil, formally recognised the origins and communities behind the 1823 and 1825 Peter Robinson Emigration Scheme.

The week-long programme spanned heritage tours, community gatherings, nightly performances of “The Robinson Experiment,” and two keystone moments: the Peter Robinson Settlers Emigration Scheme Conference at Saint George’s Arts & Heritage Centre, Mitchelstown, and the final Commemoration Ceremony at Griston Bog & Woodland, Ballylanders.

At the heart of the Homecoming was the power of community. From community halls and heritage centres to churches, graveyards and rambling houses, Ballyhoura’s communities opened their doors and their hearts – offering music, stories, tea and time. The warmth of the welcome, the reconnection of families, and the memories made together across the week have created bonds that will endure long after the final event. This was a programme that brought everyone together – descendants, neighbours, volunteers and partners – united by place, history and hospitality.

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Hosted in the beautifully restored Saint George’s – a historic former Church of Ireland associated with 38 settler families – the Conference convened historians, genealogists, filmmakers and descendant-researchers from Ireland, Canada and the United States. The programme featured contributions from Bill Power, Dr Jay Roszman, Gerard Moran, Dr Jane McGaughey, Glenn O’Meara, Matt Barry, Dr Jane Halloran, Patrick Leahy, Christy Roche, John Tierney and Chris Nikkel.

The day opened with a welcome by His Excellency Dennis King, Ambassador of Canada to Ireland, followed by remarks from An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD. Two custom plaques – one to remain in Ireland and one to travel to Canada – were unveiled as a symbol of enduring connection.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said, “This has been a powerful week in Ballyhoura, honouring the 1823 and 1825 emigrants and recognising the communities from which they came. We acknowledge the pain of parting, the strength of those who left, and the steadfastness of those who remained. The Ireland–Canada connection is not abstract—it is lived in families, in scholarship, in art, and in welcome. The plaques and the tree at Griston Bog will stand as lasting markers of our shared past and a hopeful future. I congratulate everyone involved.” An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD

His Excellency Dennis King, Ambassador of Canada to Ireland said, “It’s a constant thrill, as Ambassador of Canada to Ireland, to see the connections that local groups and individual Irish and Canadians are weaving between our peoples. Canada and Ireland’s shared values, cultural affinities, and historical ties will continue to shape our cooperation, in areas ranging from global geopolitics and trade to education and the arts. With this week’s events, the Ballyhoura Region asserts its rightful place in that narrative.”

The week concluded with a deeply symbolic ceremony at Griston Bog & Woodland, Ballylanders. Descendants read letters written two centuries ago; Fr. Breen offered a blessing; songs were sung; and a native oak was planted—new roots set in Irish soil to honour those who left and those who were welcomed home. Dedication plaques now mark Griston Bog as a place of memory and reflection.

“The planting of an oak tree and the unveiling of commemorative plaques will undoubtedly serve as a lasting symbol of remembrance, resilience, and renewal,” said President Michael D. Higgins in a letter to Amanda Slattery, Ballyhoura Development CLG.

Mary Smith, Vice Chair, Nine Ships 1825, said, “Ballyhoura Development CLG has created a wonderful week of homecoming events for all those interested in learning more about the families and communities that the Peter Robinson Emigrants originated from. Relatives and original homes have been found.

“Tours of the local graveyards, churches, community halls and pubs have been arranged. The hospitality has been fabulous! Many cups of tea and baking have been offered, so many songs have been sung, music played, stories told, local history learned, pints drank, and many new friends made! The former and new relationships that have been built will carry on forever. Many participants are already planning their next trip back to Ireland!”

Learn More About the Peter Robinson Settlers through the Visit Ballyhoura website.