Emigrants returning to Ireland

[Kate]

Hello
Does anyone know if many people returned to Ireland after leaving in 1840s/50s?
I have been able to trace my line from those who arrived in the early 1850s but some of the siblings and their descendants are elusive. In general, the girls are easier to locate as they married and stayed here, but i wonder if the boys were more adventurous and set off for Ireland, USA or went into in the army, so I have been unable to trace their descendants.
Obviously, I have listed the family on Lost Cousins!
Thank you.

 

[Bob Spiers]

Does anyone know if many people returned to Ireland after leaving in 1840s/5..

I would say it more likely they chose further afield, although some may have been drawn back to the 'Emerald Isle' which had been so unkind to them during the 'Great Famine' of the 1840's. As you say the girls were often content to find a spouse, especially one in work. The boys needed to find work which would draw them into the Big Cities like Manchester, Birmingham and the Black Country. Navvying was often the only choice available, digging out for Canals, Railways and the like. This would take them away from their immigrant family home, so widen your search horizons.

I lost track of two of my irish male family immigrants, and later found one sailing to America, but the other eluded me and still has. Try Passenger lists for the USA (or Canada) and Ellis Island Records but I am sure others may have different advice to give.

 

[Kate]

Thanks, I will bear that in mind.

 

[GrahamC]

I lost track of two of my irish male family immigrants, and later found one sailing to America, but the other eluded me and still has. Try Passenger lists for the USA (or Canada) and Ellis Island Records but I am sure others may have different advice to give.

Don't forget Australia and New Zealand.

 

[Kate]

Thanks .