Generally coming in the 18th century and early 19th century, the generally Catholic Irish were seeking refuge from the oppression of the Protestant-run government of the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Spain, being a Catholic power, enticed many Irish to move to Latin America.
Immigration diminished later in the 19th century as Catholic Emancipation made emigration to a Catholic nation less of a vital consideration and as the United States and Canada established themselves as more viable lands for settlement.
[citation needed] A large proportion of Irish Chileans are sheep farmers in the Magallanes Region of the far south of the country, and the city of Punta Arenas has a large Irish foundation dating back to the 18th century.
[citation needed] The most notable Irish Chilean, Bernardo O'Higgins, is often referred to as the "Father of Chile", and is commemorated in many places in Chile.