What if one of Sligo’s greatest economic assets wasn’t located in the county at all? What if it doesn’t appear on a balance sheet or in a census report?
From London and New York to Sydney and Toronto, an estimated 960,000+[i] people across the world trace their roots, their family stories, and often their identity back to County Sligo. . Some travelled for work, others for education, and many simply sought new beginnings. While they may have built lives in cities across Britain, North America, Australia and beyond, their connection to Sligo never disappeared. As Sligo looks to the future, these global connections represent one of our most valuable opportunities.
Diaspora Research
Recent regional research undertaken by the Western Development Commission highlights the strength of diaspora engagement across the West and Northwest, demonstrating the significant role overseas networks can play in supporting enterprise, tourism, talent attraction and community development.
For a county that is ambitious about its future, that matters.
Diaspora engagement is no longer simply about celebrating heritage or organising reunions. Across the world, successful regions are increasingly recognising that their diaspora can play a vital role in economic development. Former residents, their children and grandchildren often become ambassadors for their home place. They promote investment opportunities, advocate for their region, support tourism, mentor entrepreneurs and, in some cases, return home with skills, experience and capital accumulated overseas.
Sligo has already seen examples of this in action.
CASE STUDY
One inspiring story is that of Andy Rodgers, a native of Easkey who spent much of his career in London. Following his retirement, he established the Sligo in London Business Network, creating a forum through which Sligo people living in Britain could stay connected with each other and with developments at home. What began as a simple networking initiative evolved into a valuable bridge between Sligo and one of the world’s leading business centres. Through regular events and information sharing, members gained a better understanding of opportunities in Sligo while strengthening professional and personal connections with their home county.
It is an example of something we see repeatedly: people want to stay connected.
For many members of the diaspora, Sligo is not just a place. It is a memory of family gatherings, a summer spent visiting grandparents, a favourite beach, a mountain walk, a story passed down through generations or a surname that traces its origins to this landscape. Those emotional connections matter. They create goodwill that can translate into meaningful economic and social benefits for the county.
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One of the strongest messages emerging from the research was simple but significant: people involved in diaspora engagement want more opportunities to connect with one another. They want to share experiences, learn what works, discuss challenges and identify ways to collaborate more effectively. Whether working in tourism, heritage, community development, business, education or local government, many organisations are pursuing similar objectives but often do so independently.
Diaspora Connection Events
Recognising this, the Western Development Commission is now moving to implement one of the key recommendations from its research by hosting two networking events for individuals and organisations involved in diaspora engagement.
These will provide an opportunity to hear about the research findings, meet others working in the field and contribute ideas on how stronger collaboration can be developed across the region. Participants will be invited to share practical experiences, discuss challenges and help shape future priorities, including the potential development of a regional diaspora network.
MAYO EVENT
10th November 2026 at 10 am followed by buffet lunch
McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, F12 D1W3
To register – CLICK HERE (Eventbrite)
SLIGO EVENT
17th November 2026: Buffet supper from 5.30 p.m. followed by networking meeting until 9 pm.
Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo, F91 Y762
To register – CLICK HERE (Eventbrite)
The evening format was deliberately chosen to make attendance easier for those who contribute to diaspora engagement on a voluntary basis or alongside other professional commitments.
Turning Research into Action
These gatherings represent an important step towards building a stronger ecosystem of organisations and individuals working to maintain and strengthen links with people from the region living around the world. By sharing knowledge and coordinating efforts, we can create more meaningful and lasting engagement with our diaspora communities.
For Sligo, the benefits of these connections are significant. Members of our diaspora often return as visitors, bringing family and friends to experience the county for themselves. Some choose to invest, establish businesses or support local initiatives. Others become advocates for Sligo abroad, promoting the county through their professional networks and personal connections. Increasingly, the rise of remote and hybrid working has made these connections even more important. Professionals can now choose where they live without sacrificing career opportunities. For members of our diaspora, this creates a new possibility: the chance to come home. They can build international careers while enjoying the quality of life, natural environment and strong sense of community that Sligo offers.
Looking Ahead
From an economic development perspective, attracting even a small proportion of that talent back to Sligo can have a significant impact. Returning professionals bring skills, networks, international perspectives and entrepreneurial experience. They create jobs, support local businesses and enrich community life. Equally important are those who do not return permanently but continue to advocate for Sligo from abroad. Their influence can help attract visitors, investors and future residents.
The Irish diaspora is often described as one of the largest and most engaged in the world, with tens of millions of people worldwide claiming Irish ancestry. Sligo’s challenge and opportunity is to ensure that our own diaspora feels part of the county’s future story.
That means listening as much as communicating. It means creating opportunities for connection through business networks, cultural events, digital engagement and heritage initiatives. It means making it easier for people to rediscover their roots, explore investment opportunities or simply stay informed about developments in the county.
As we look towards the future, our diaspora remains one of our greatest strengths. They are investors, visitors, advocates, entrepreneurs, mentors and ambassadors. More importantly, they are family.
Whether they left Sligo decades ago, whether their grandparents once called this place home, or whether they simply carry a deep affection for the county, they remain part of the wider Sligo community.
The invitation is simple: stay connected, stay involved and help shape the next chapter of Sligo’s story. Together, a county of modest size can have a truly global reach.
[i] The figure is a mathematical projection based on County Sligo’s proportional share (~1.37%) of the internationally recognized 70-million global Irish heritage pool, compiled for The County Sligo Diaspora Strategy 2019-2024.
Published 29/10/2026 3-5 min read
