March in Canada is dedicated to celebrating Irish Heritage. Between 1817 and 1825, a significant number of Irish came to Canada due to various societal, economic, and environmental reasons. During the 1800s, the Irish was the largest immigrant group to Canada. By the 1850s, these early settlers had established communities across Ontario, including what is now know as Grey and Bruce Counties. (https://www.irishtocanada.com/ontario/)

Among the pioneers of Grey County, the Irish formed one of the prominent groups. They were allotted farmlands in an area known as the Irish Block, situated northeast of Owen Sound. According to W.W. Smith's Gazetteer & Directory of the County of Grey, 1865-1866, there were 356 individuals from Ireland residing in the Township of Sydenham, with some also living in Bognor. Both communities are presently part of the Municipality of Meaford. (Irish Block in Grey County) In Bruce County, the Irish were among the earliest settlers to arrive during the mid to late 1800s, as noted by the Bruce County Genealogical Society. (Bruce Count Genealogical Society)

Since their initial arrival, the Irish have been playing a vital role in the population of Grey Bruce, contributing significantly to its social and economic development. In 2021, there were 18,230 (25%) residents of Bruce County and 25,875 (26%) residents of Grey County who were identified with Irish Heritage.

To find out more about the Irish heritage in Grey and Bruce Counties, contact Grey Roots Museum & Archives and Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre.