The most Irish island in the world

Tilting, a small community nestled on Fogo Island, Canada was home to the first Irish settler, Thomas Burke, who arrived in 1752. To this day the town is adorned with Irish flags by groups of people who are proud to display their heritage.

There is more in common with our friends in Ireland than you might think. Between 1770 and 1780 more than 100 ships and thousands of people left Irish ports for the fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. These migrations were some of the most substantial movements of Irish people across the Atlantic in the 18th century. Over the years they created a distinctive subculture in Newfoundland and Labrador and their descendants carried on many of their traditions. In certain places around the province, Irish culture is still richly evident. Between people, culture, and yes, even the landscape, here are five reasons why Newfoundland & Labrador has often been dubbed the “most Irish place outside of Ireland”.

Do you know what a “scrob” is? How about a “sleveen“? There are more varieties of English spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador than anywhere else in the world. Our dialects date back four centuries and some accents are flavoured by Southern Ireland. Some Irish settlers only spoke Irish Gaelic, and while it disappeared from the island early in the 20th century, it left a number of traces. You’ll even find a Dictionary of Newfoundland English that contains hundreds of words and phrases that you’ll find nowhere else!

Have a listen to their accents –

by trenchcoatcharlie_