Why did many Anglo-Irish writers leave Ireland to build careers in England?

Many Anglo-Irish writers left Ireland to build careers in England primarily because London offered an "irresistible force" as a major literary and theatrical market. For ambitious authors, the British mainland provided a broader audience and greater professional opportunities than were available in Ireland.1

This migration was also driven by a sense of cultural dislocation. Anglo-Irish writers often felt caught between two civilizations—feeling out of place in both Ireland and England—which shaped their characteristic detached and ironic voice. Furthermore, while some writers like Jonathan Swift remained in Ireland, many others found that their status as members of a minority ruling elite within a largely Catholic population contributed to their identity as "outsiders," leading them to seek success within the sphere of English letters.12

Ultimately, because Anglo-Irish novels and plays were often written with an English audience in view, moving to England was a practical step for those seeking to establish themselves in the wider English literary tradition.1