France and Ireland share strong cultural ties that span centuries. Today, French and Irish people contribute significantly in every field, from business to politics and rugby.
People with ancestral links to Ireland or its surrounding regions will typically see evidence of this in their DNA estimates due to centuries of intermixing between Irish and English populations.
Normans
In the 11th and 12th centuries, Norman military technology enabled them to dominate much of Europe. Their expansion was founded upon feudal monarchy: all land belonged to King Richard who granted parcels to Lords who in return paid homage in terms of money, armed men for battle, goods etc. In turn these Lords granted smaller plots to peasants who worked their land while making payments either in cash or soldiers – or both!
This dynasty had a lasting impression on Ireland with surnames such as Furlong, (De) Roche, D’Arcy and Treacy bearing evidence of Norman descent. Unfortunately, as English replaced French as the dominant language within ruling classes and Protestant culture arose on the island, Norman identity gradually declined as well as any links with France or Normandy being severed.
Vikings
The Vikings were fearsome sea-rovers and pirates who terrorised coastal regions with longboat raids. Considered the precursors to Norman rule in England, their raids no doubt caused great alarm among local populations – they especially targeted monasteries for loot and slaves.
Some Vikings, known as the “Wild Geese”, settled in continental Europe and married into Royal/Noble families to become continental aristocrats themselves (such as Henessey family).
Genetic analysis indicates that some Irish people have trace amounts of Scandinavian ancestry, likely as the result of Viking and ancient Irish peoples marrying and intermarrying; any genetic signature left from such union would show up on an ancestry test as Norwegian or German ancestry.
Language
France and Ireland may be geographically separated by water, yet their centuries-old cultural ties create an intricate tapestry of shared traditions, Litrature, Art, Music, Gastronomy.
French colonists brought with them language and culture that would forever change Irish society – leaving traces in family names like Neill, FitzGibbon or Burke that remain to this day.
Influences between Ireland and France were also evident in their literature: Irish writers like James Joyce and WB Yeats found much inspiration from French literary techniques, creating an incredible synthesis between Irish and French literary traditions.
Culture
Cultural heritage plays an essential role in forging national identities. Irish migrants who settled in France had an impactful impact on its culture through cognac houses, street names and Irish language influences (butler comes from butcher).
Irish “Wild Geese” migrants came to continental Europe looking for better opportunities, and many made a successful life out there – becoming sheriffs, Lord mayors, members of parliament, successful entrepreneurs – brewers, linen weavers and glassmakers among them.
Culturally, they created a distinct and recognizable Irish patriotism coexisting with respect for French culture in their adopted countries. Today, French-Irish relations remain strong and diverse; French companies remain highly represented in Ireland across several sectors including finance, insurance and agrifood; France and Ireland remain close partners in European affairs with shared visions of creating a common agricultural policy.
History
French and Irish history has always shared an intimate bond, and Irish ancestors have played an essential part in its culture and language. Many early Irish settlers who colonized northern France from Viking raiders are descendants of these French descendants; their impact can still be felt today through surnames and dialect.
Irish “Wild Geese” made their mark in France during the 17th century after leaving their homes either voluntarily or involuntarily in search of better lives, many joining French armies while others attaining positions of wealth and status as continental aristocrats.
This book investigates Ireland’s complex relationships with Europe at large. It offers new insights into the construction of social memory by looking at how French and Irish have interacted over time.