The Argentine Emigration Oral History Project - a Westmeath Perspective

In the years between 1830 and 1870 about 30,000 Irish people emigrated to Argentina. Of those, it is believed that about 60% were from Westmeath, Longford and part of Offaly, with Westmeath having the largest number of the three. Emigration continued into the twentieth century, though at a lower level.

Two men from Streamstown, Co. Westmeath, Patrick Bookey and John Mooney, were amongst the first to go from this region. They were attracted to Argentina and the beef industry there, following a free trade treaty signed with Britain in 1824. They encouraged others to follow, and many did so, from various parts of Westmeath and areas of south Longford. The prospect of getting large farms and opportunities for a better life was attractive. However, life in the countryside was difficult, especially early on, when there were few settlements, no infrastructure and isolated farmsteads. The Irish had a strong sense of identity and in the generations after their arrival, they tended to intermarry. Many of the first and second generations spoke English with Irish accents!

An oral history project on the subject is currently underway in Westmeath and Longford. This year the project aims to record and archive 10 interviews with people who have generational memories of emigration from these counties to Argentina, of the life experienced in Argentina and of return journeys back and forth between the two countries.

Join Oral Historian Adrian Roche of The History Trail for an illustrated talk on this project.