Map of Ireland, 1940
The Irish played an important role in the migratory and resident fisheries at Newfoundland and Labrador. By the late-17th century, merchants in southeast Ireland were regularly exporting pork, beef, butter, and other provisions overseas to help supply English workers engaged in the transatlantic fishery. Eventually, Irish labourers also migrated to the colony each spring to take advantage of employment opportunities.

From Sean O'Faolain, An Irish Journey (London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1940) vi.