The Irish heritage and accent has survived from generation to generation in many communities across the province, and an event called “The Gathering” plans to keep that going.

Bob Gillard is part of the group of 72 people, 62 of them from Ireland, who will tour communities in the province, stay with host families and explore the rich Irish heritage that exists here.

Today is the third day of the eleven day tour of areas like Placentia, Carbonear and St. John’s.

Gillard says the event takes place each year, taking turns between hosting it in N.L. and Ireland.

It all started in 2005 when a group from the Southern Shore and Cape Shore got together and travelled across the pond.

He says it is a great way to continue the conversation about language, culture and traditions and to be able to express the similarities between the two places.

He says if you go to the Cape Shore or Irish Loop, you can hear the thick Irish influence on the language.