The 33rd County of Ireland

Rolling way from the north rim of the Tower Hill Volcano, Koroit (Population 2332) is set amidst rolling green pastures where potato crops thrive in the mineral rich soil. William Rutledge first saw its potential as a potato cropping area and began employing his countrymen to work on his land. The irony of which I’m sure wasn’t lost on those that had fled the potato famines that ravaged their homeland in between 1844-1852. Many permanently settled and took up their own blocks. As a result, this corner of Australia, saw a significantly higher concentration of Irish immigration than any other. Many of the original families still live in the district and the township celebrates the Koroit Irish Festival every May. Koroit proudly declares itself, Ireland’s 33rd County.