As Ireland embraces a diverse tapestry of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, multicultural relationships have become more commonplace. This trend has been further amplified by the surge in immigration witnessed since the onset of the pandemic. According to recent data, Ireland welcomed a staggering 141,600 new arrivals up to April 2023, underscoring the nation’s evolving demographic landscape.
The surge in immigration to Ireland has prompted notable strides in cultural awareness and integration.
However, despite these advancements, recent reports from the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) paint a concerning picture. Incidents of racism have spiked, with INAR documenting a total of 600 incidents, up from 404 in 2021. Among these, there were 223 criminal incidents, including racist assaults, as well as a record-breaking 190 reports of illegal discrimination and 136 reports of hate speech. These figures represent a stark increase compared to the previous year, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating racism and promoting inclusivity in Ireland.
In April 2023 they released the ‘Policing & Racial Discrimination’ report that says; “more than 80% of the participants feel that they received differential treatment than wider white, settled Irish population”.
Bronwyn April, the Strength and Diversity Project Coordinator for the Dublin City Community Coop, emphasises that successful integration requires commitment from both Irish natives and migrant communities alike. She highlights the importance of cultural awareness, stating, “Cultural awareness is about exploring one’s own bias.” By fostering understanding and empathy, communities can bridge divides and create a more inclusive society for all.
“As Ireland moves to become more diverse, there needs to be a willingness from the host country (community) and migrant communities as well. To learn from and engage with one another, and be brave enough to have honest conversations around how to successfully live alongside one another, without the expectation that one another abandons their own culture and values,” she adds.
Bronwyn, who hails from South Africa, made Ireland her permanent home, much like many other immigrants living in the country.
In a video for Dublin City Council during the Inclusion and Integration Week in 2022, she addressed some issues.
Like Bronwyn, many immigrants have built a life and started a family here, such as Chichi, who recently married Tad McAllister.
Tad shares insights into the perks and challenges of multicultural relationships.
“I have been exposed to all aspects of Chichi’s Igbo cultural heritage through her family. I particularly enjoy Nigerian food, so being taught how to cook traditional dishes by my sister and mother-in-law has been great fun,” he says.
Tad acknowledges that the most challenging aspect of a multicultural relationship for him is navigating cultural differences that can sometimes lead to embarrassing misunderstandings. “Religion is a serious matter in Nigerian culture and is a topic I have to be cautious to voice any opinion on (in earshot),” said Tad.
Chichi initially described Irish people as “quite cold, although they warmed up once you got to know them or they had a drink!” According to Chichi, “there are so many similarities between Irish and Igbo culture; for example, a love of storytelling, music, and dance.
Ireland is still breaking down barriers to become more diverse, so honest
conversations and information seem to be growing in the community, the anti- immigration protests seems to growing also, most of the movements connect to the right-wing movements.
The New York Times, wrote a piece explaining why the riots that took place in November 2023 were not surprised for those who had been watching the far right.
Indeed, INAR in 2022 addressed this issue “There is a lot that can be done to make individuals from minoritised backgrounds feel welcome and valued in Ireland. Our Reports of Racism in Ireland have shown disturbingly consist levels of Racism assault, discrimination and crime ” INAR spoke person says.
