People Group Profiles

“All nations will come and worship before you."

- Revelations 15:4

Irish, Gaelic of North America


People Group Info

Total Population: 1,329,850

ROP3 Code: 104066
IMB Affinity Group: European Peoples
Affinity Bloc: Eurasian Peoples
People Cluster: Anglo-Celt
Language: Irish - (gle)
Religion: Christianity - Roman Catholic
Country of Origin: Ireland

Photo courtesy of PeopleGroups.info

Majority Located Where

  Toronto (Mississauga, Brampton), ON - 543,600

  Vancouver (Surrey), BC - 258,875

  Ottawa–Gatineau, ON - 228,035

  Montreal (Laval), QC - 223,780

  New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY - 25,200

Click here to recommend other locations where this People Group resides.

Learn More

Brief Profile

The Gaelic Irish, also known as Gaeilge or just Gaelic, are foreign born (1st generation) people from Ireland. Irish culture and its traditions have a long history in North America, influencing many aspects of today's culture.

For instance, in the United States, the American calendar annually celebrates St. Patrick's Day. In larger metro areas, Irish can be seen celebrating the day with its prominent green color. Boston metro area hosts one of larger celebrations annually as Irish Gaelic take to the streets in festive green colors.

For Irish Gaelic people, their religious identity is often tied to their ethnic identity. In other words, to be Irish is to be Roman Catholic. As such, they predominantly are Roman Catholic. However, having such close ties with their ethnic identity does not guarantee faithfulness to the Catholic Church. In fact, many only practice their Catholicism during special occasions.

Prayer Points

  • Pray evangelicals who reside near Irish Gaelic will become their friends and share the difference Christ makes in their lives.
  • Pray God will work in the hearts and minds of Irish Gaelic to understand that an abundant life is found in following Jesus Christ.


Learning Resources

Learn more about "Learning Paths"
Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.

Learn more about "Reaching the Nations"
This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.

World Religions - Beliefs Overview
An overview of major world religions and cults - their beliefs and practices.


Other Resources

Prayer Guide for Unreached Peoples
A 30 day guide to pray for unreached people groups.

Prayer Guide using the GOSPELS acronym
A prayer guide that utilizes the acronym GOSPELS to pray for workers among diaspora.

Displaying 1-18 of 18 results.
Country City Metro Area Name State / Prov. Baseline Population
CanadaTorontoToronto (Mississauga, Brampton)ON543,600
CanadaVancouverVancouver (Surrey)BC258,875
CanadaOttawa-GatineauOttawa–GatineauON228,035
CanadaMontréalMontreal (Laval)QC223,780
United StatesGreat NeckNew York-Newark-Jersey CityNY25,200
United StatesQuincyBoston-Cambridge-QuincyMA12,800
United StatesNilesChicago-Naperville-ElginIL8,700
United StatesSFSan Francisco-Oakland-HaywardCA6,300
United StatesInglewoodLos Angeles-Long Beach-AnaheimCA4,800
United StatesHavertownPhiladelphia-Camden-WilmingtonPA2,875
United StatesBridgeportBridgeport-Stamford-NorwalkCT1,587
United StatesSan DiegoSan Diego-Carlsbad-San MarcosCA1,466
United StatesBrandonTampa-St. Petersburg-ClearwaterFL1,443
United StatesSanta ClaraSan Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa ClaraCA1,389
United StatesAustinAustin-Round RockTX600
United StatesAlamo HeightsSan Antonio-New BraunfelsTX400
United StatesCooperDallas-Fort Worth-ArlingtonTX200
United StatesSt. LouisSt. LouisMO100