The Irish in Bolivia: An (almost) Unknown History

Abstract

Irish immigration to Bolivia has been largely ignored by academia. However, although few in number, it has exerted its influence both in the country itself and in the cause of Irish nationalism. Whether they arrived with General Bolívar’s liberating troops or collaborated in the development of the nation through their work in mining, commercial or railway companies, their contribution was significant. They were also important in the fields of culture, the press and domestic politics. Despite the political instability of the Andean country and the obstruction of the British Empire, they have left a mark that I intend to show in this article.