The Gallagher Clan Worldwide
While Gallaghers have spread across the world from Ireland, below are the main countries (in no particular order) to which they have gone.
Australia
Gallaghers have long left their mark in Australia. One even left his or her name on the Gallagher Waterhole, Northern Territory.
If you are one of the many people with Gallagher connections, we would like to hear from you about your own story and that of your family. In time, we intend to add a selection of these stories to the site, with the express permission of those who submit them.
For further information see Gallagher Clan in Australia.
Canada
Gallaghers have long had connections with Canada. One of the earliest pieces of information received (via May McClintock, Letterkenny) related to a Gallagher from Letterkenny who established a business in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the early 1800s.
A leading historian of immigration into Canada was herself a Gallagher — Marianna O’Gallagher.
If you are one of the many people with Gallagher connections, we would like to hear from you about your family’s story. In time, we hope to add a selection of these accounts to the site, with permission.
For further information see Gallagher Clan in Canada.
England
As with many aspects of the shared history of Ireland and England, the Gallagher story in England has been a mixed one.
From the conquests and expulsions of the 16th and 17th centuries, the story includes much hardship. However, England has become home to many thousands of Gallaghers, who have found livelihoods across the country.
Many served in the British armed forces, and many died in that service, often far from these islands. Today, there are approximately 30,000 people with the Gallagher surname in England.
For further information see Gallagher Clan History in England.
Scotland
The Gallaghers — or Gallachers, as they are commonly known in Scotland — have long associations with Scotland.
If you are one of the many people with Gallagher or Gallacher connections, we would like to hear from you about your family’s story. In time, we hope to add a selection of these stories to the site, with permission.
Migration in the 19th Century
During the 19th century, as the Industrial Revolution gathered pace in Scotland and Ireland experienced severe hardship, many people from the poorer regions of north-west Ireland found employment — and indeed salvation — in Scotland.
Many Gallaghers travelled by “the Boat”, the cattle boat that plied between Derry Quay and Scotland, carrying both livestock and passengers.
It appears that Scottish officials often transcribed the name — likely from spoken Gaelic — as Gallacher, resulting in two forms of the name in common use today: Gallagher and Gallacher.
Statistics from the Scotland’s People website show the pace of immigration. However, a troubling note emerges when birth records are compared with death records, with deaths exceeding births.
For further information see Gallagher and Gallacher Families in Scotland.
Wales
For further information see Gallagher Clan in Wales.
New Zealand
New Zealand has become home to many Gallaghers, and Gallaghers have helped to build and shape the country into what it is today.
They have been well served by New Zealand, and many have served it well — including Dave Gallaher, the first captain of the All Blacks, and the family associated with the Gallagher Group.
For further information see Gallagher Clan in New Zealand.
United States of America
There are more Gallaghers and Gallagher family connections in the United States than in any other country — including Ireland.
Based on statistical sampling by the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 70,000 people with the Gallagher surname or one of its variants. When those with Gallagher ancestry in their family tree are included, there are likely hundreds of thousands whose family story involves the Gallagher Clan.
For further information see Gallagher Clan in the United States.