When the Irish first came to New York, they brought more than just hope of finding a better life – away from famine, rebellion and civil war. They brought with them their religion, their industriousness, their warmth – remnants of home that made their way across the Atlantic. Walking through New York City today, their presence can still be felt – in the foundations of buildings and bridges, in the stained glass of cathedrals, in the green glow of Irish pubs. This is a journey through the streets of New York, tracing the echoes of Ireland that can still be heardin this sprawling metropolis. 

Photo by Luke Flanagan 

The Statue of Liberty – The first sight of ‘The Land of Opportunity’ for many immigrants arriving in New York for the first time, including millions of Irish. A beacon signalling the beginning of their new life in America. 

Photo by Luke Flanagan 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – The Irish in New York played a major role in the building of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, found among the chaos of Fifth Avenue. It was Archbishop John Hughes, an Irish immigrant himself from County Tyrone, who decided that the growing Archdiocese of New York needed a large cathedral. Much of the labour force that built the cathedral were also Irish immigrants. 

Photo by Luke Flanagan 

Photo by Luke Flanagan 

The Empire State Building and Chrysler Building – Irish immigrants made up a significant portion of the workforce that built the Chrysler Building, which was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1930. Only a year later it was overtaken by the Empire State Building – the construction of which also included many Irish immigrants – which was the tallest in the world until 1970. 

Photo by Luke Flanagan 

Photo by Luke Flanagan 

Photo by Luke Flanagan 

Gibney’s, Connolly’s and O’Donoghue’s Irish Pubs – Like walking through a portal back to Ireland, hearing familiar accents and music. You won’t walk for 5 minutes in New York without seeing at least one Irish pub. Sanctuaries set up by the Irish miles and miles away that make them feel like they never left home.