Ireland and the United States: A 250-Year Legacy of Connection

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence in 2026, the profound and enduring contributions of Ireland and Irish Americans are being celebrated across the nation. From laying wreaths at the graves of presidents with Irish heritage to commissioning new works of art, a series of events are highlighting the deep transatlantic ties between the two countries.

Honoring Irish American Presidents

The commemoration began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where the Irish America 250 Committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians honored the legacy of President John F. Kennedy [1]. Kennedy, the first Irish Catholic president, was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a nearly 190-year-old Irish-American Catholic organization.

Sean Pender, the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, emphasized the significance of recognizing the contributions of Irish individuals to the American presidency, noting that 23 presidents have claimed Irish heritage [1]. Events also honored three other former presidents, including a lecture and a newly commissioned poem in New York.

A Transatlantic Story of Emigration and Achievement

The Irish contribution to the United States extends far beyond the presidency. Historians point to the significant role Irish immigrants played in building the nation, from James Hoban, the Irish-born architect of the White House, to John Barry, considered the “father of the US Navy” during the American Revolutionary War and Thomas Francis Meagher, a leader of the Irish Brigade in the Union Army during the Civil War [2].

Professor Darragh Gannon, assistant director of Irish Studies at Georgetown University and lead historian for Irish America 250, underscored that the Irish story is no longer solely an “island story” but a “transatlantic story” of success and political achievement [2]. He highlighted that Irish emigration wasn’t simply a story of exile, but one of building a new life and achieving prominence in American society.

Irish America 250 and Ongoing Commemorations

Irish America 250, an organization established to highlight the Irish contribution to America’s story, is leading the commemorations throughout 2026 [1]. The organization is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, the Northern Ireland executive in Belfast, and stakeholders in the United States to promote Irish heritage on both sides of the Atlantic [2].

The main national celebration is scheduled for July 4th, with events organized by the America 250 Committee, which includes honorary co-chairs George and Laura Bush, and Barack and Michelle Obama [1]. A lecture by Niall O’Dowd, publisher of the Irish Voice newspaper, on his book Washington and the Irish, and a first reading of a new poem, IRISH AMERICA, commissioned for the celebration, will also take place in New York.

Ireland’s Programme for America250

The Irish government formally launched its programme for America250 in September 2025, with the opening of the new Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C. And a launch event at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana [3]. The programme will explore themes including the contributions of Irish-Americans to the US and the inspiration the American independence struggle provided to Ireland’s own path to independence [3]. A travelling exhibition, developed in partnership with EPIC, is also planned.

Mary Ann Lubinsky, National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, expressed the deep emotional resonance of honoring JFK, stating it was a “truly an honour” to lay a wreath at his grave [1].