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The Irish were the first and foremost settlers of Iceland. They settled along with the Nordics during the 9th and 10th centuries. Ireland was the center of a rich culture in 5th and 6th centuries. After the decline of the Roman empire the Irish started going out for voyages to different places. It was one of those voyages that took them across the North Atlantic to the lonely island of Iceland. They found it habitable and settled there. But the Irish did not reside in the country for too long a period. The vikings moved in soon after and were also later replaced by the Irish monks.
It was the Irish along with the Scottish who had introduced Celtic Christianity in Iceland and after 1000 A.D missionary activities of the priests led to the the country acquiring its Catholic status.
Spread of culture and population had been such widespread in Iceland during the early times that the society was an amalgamation of the Norse and Irish. It was neither completely Norse nor completely Irish. This was also the result of many marriages between Norse men and Irish women.
Irish influence on the the Icelanders can be strongly felt in the oldest churches of Iceland. Monasteries were also built and used by the Irish, the relics of which are interesting to see today. Kirkjubaejarklaustur in Iceland, the former site of the 12th century convent and the early monasteries of the Irish monks, is presently a popular tourist attraction.
Though the Irish had departed from the country long ago, its influence can be richly felt in every aspect of Iceland-- cultural,economic,political, sports, social etc. thus the Irish in Iceland stay on till today to enchant every one who lives and visits the place.
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