IMMIGRATION FEATURE: THE Irish community is the largest immigrant population in Swindon.

Official statistics show that around 2,300 people described themselves to be of Irish origin. But an estimated number of people of Irish descent may be around 10,000 if the second and third generations are counted.

Mary Devaney moved to the UK from Galway in 1968. She lived in Manchester, Birmingham, and London before coming to Swindon in 1986.

The landlady of the Castle Hotel in Prospect Place, Old Town, says moving here has enabled her to build up a successful business.

Mary said: "I came to England to better myself. I enjoy living in Swindon and it is a prosperous town.

"We came over here to earn money becuase jobs were scarce in Ireland. I managed to settle in quite easily though. It helped that every week I got a wage packet. Of course I missed my family but I have never regretted it."

Although Mary is proud of her Irish heritage she is keen to stress her pub welcomes people of all backgrounds.

She said: "My pub is not just an Irish pub. We cater for all nationalities. A lot of the regular customers are Irish so I am in regular contact with the Irish community. It's nice to be in touch with your roots."

There is an active social life with regular Irish evenings at the Thistle Hotel. There are also three Irish dancing schools in the town Michael McInerney, The Moloney School of Dance and the Ian Boyd School of Irish Dancing.