Migration from rural to urban areas was a feature of the development of most western societies. However, Irish migration was distinctive in that most Irish migrants left their local area for British rather than Irish cities and towns. The body of literature that can be loosely categorised as migration theory provides a number of useful vantage points from which to assess migration from independent Ireland. Inevitably, no single model or framework explains fully the patterns of Irish migration, although there is much of value which may be derived from the range of approaches from a number of disciplines. Mass migration, whether it is viewed as a conglomeration of actors optimising earning potential or as the result of structural features within a particular society, to some extent defies classification under one particular schema. In essence, there is a range of explanations for migration across time and geographical location. Nevertheless, the findings of this study would demonstrate that, while economic factors (broadly interpreted) were a key determinant of Irish migration patterns and trends, changing aspirations towards a higher standard of living, and not simply sheer economic necessity, also shaped the history of Irish migration between 1921 and 1971.

The patterns of Irish migration to Britain between 1921 and 1971 have been examined in detail in the course of this discussion. In general terms, a continuous flow of migrants from Ireland to Britain over the complete period is evident, although the numbers involved registered peaks in the mid-1930s, in the war years and the late 1940s, and throughout the 1950s.