[EPISODE] Ireland and New York

We will explore the past, and present of Irish immigrants who made New York City their home.

My guests will be Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours, and Ronan Downs, owner and partner in many New York businesses, including the Stone Street Tavern, and The Factory.

Segment 1

Jeff welcomes Joyce Gold back to the show to discuss the history of Irish immigrants in New York City. Joyce and Jeff detail the history Irish immigration to New York beginning in the years after the 1840's Irish famine. Joyce explains how Irish immigrants settled in the Five Points and Hell's Kitchen. Joyce notes the types of work the Irish found in New York and the challenges faced by early immigrants.

Segment 2

Jeff and Joyce touch on notable Irish Catholic churches throughout New York City. Joyce discusses how the Know Nothing Party in the 1850's, the Civil War draft riots, and race relations affected Irish immigrants in New York. They trace the Irish assimilation post Civil War and how discrimination waned.

Segment 3

Jeff is joined once again by Ronan Downs, who shares his experience of emigrating to New York from Ireland. Ronan shares his story of playing college soccer in the U.S. and his short professional soccer career. Ronan tells how he got his first job in America. Ronan then shares his career as a business owner from his first business through his 5 current ventures.

Segment 4

Jeff and Ronan discuss what they love about New York. Ronan describes the importance of diversity in New York and his love for the city’s architecture. They touch on Ronan's latest project, the wizardry themed “The Cauldron”. They move to Ronan's Andy Warhol inspired bar. Ronan then details his charitable work with Self Help Africa.