More Leitrim people live outside the county than in it

New five-year diaspora strategy aims to reconnect people with Leitrim roots across the world and encourage them to visit, invest and reconnect with home

For generations, Leitrim people have left home to build new lives in Britain, America, Canada, Australia and beyond.

Today, the county's global diaspora far outnumbers the population living within its borders — and now Leitrim wants to strengthen those connections and encourage more people to come back.

Leitrim County Council has launched an ambitious five-year diaspora strategy aimed at turning generations of emigration into new opportunities for the county.

Rooted in Leitrim, Growing Global Connections: Leitrim’s Diaspora Strategy 2026–2030 will target people with Leitrim connections around the world, encouraging them to visit the county, reconnect with their family roots, support local businesses and become involved in its cultural and community life.

At the heart of the plan is a new Leitrim Diaspora Gateway, bringing genealogy and heritage resources together with information on tourism, events and business opportunities.

The strategy was fittingly launched at the Margaret of New Orleans Birthplace in Carrigallen — celebrating the story of one of Leitrim's most remarkable emigrants.