Irish people
The population of Ireland is about 6.3 million, but it is estimated that 50 to 80 million people around the world have Irish forebears, making the Irish diaspora one of the largest of any nation. Historically, emigration from Ireland has been the result of conflict, famine and economic issues. People of Irish descent are found mainly in English-speaking countries, especially Great Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia. There are also significant numbers in Argentina, Mexico and New Zealand. The United States has the most people of Irish descent, while in Australia those of Irish descent are a higher percentage of the population than in any other country outside Ireland. Many Icelanders have Irish and Scottish Gaelic forebears.
Irish people in mainland Europe
Approximately 5,000 Irish live in Central Europe, and this figure is growing annually. In Hungary, Poland and Czech Republic, there are more than 150,000 regular visitors to Celtic music, Irish music, Irish dancing, and Irish culture websites based there, a region with more than 100 Irish music bands, Irish dancing schools and Irish/Celtic festivals. The Slovak Irish have a dedicated newspaper published regularly. There are more than 60 Irish pubs in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Czech Republic, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, one with an Irish golf society, one with a rugby club, others with darts and soccer clubs. The first ever GAA club was inaugurated in the region earlier this year. Irish charity groups also have centres and communities based in the region.