Ireland's programme for America250
On 4 July 2026, the United States of America will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence.
Ireland is proud to join the US in marking this major historic anniversary and to highlight the remarkable Irish contribution, not only to the foundation of the US, but also to its political, economic and social development over the past 250 years.
Formal launch of Ireland's programme
In September 2025, the Government became a formal international partner of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (‘America250 Commission’).
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is developing a programme of events marking this anniversary to be delivered across the US. The programme was announced by Tánaiste Simon Harris T.D. in September 2025 when he opened the new Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, and formally launched at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana in October by Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason.
Thematic events through 2026
Events will take place throughout the first half of 2026, including around the St Patrick’s Day period. A number of themes will be explored through this programme, including the contribution of Irish-Americans in building and shaping the US, as well as the inspiration provided by the US independence struggle in Ireland's own journey towards independence more than a century later.
The programme will include a travelling exhibition, which is being developed in partnership with EPIC.
Irish story of America250
The Irish story of America250 stems from all corners of the island and events at home and in the US provide opportunities to highlight the distinct Ulster Scots-Irish contribution to this remarkable story.
The Department of Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport will mark the anniversary with a programme of events in Ireland.
- John Dunlap from County Tyrone produced the first printed copies of the Declaration.
- Of the Declaration’s 56 signatories, three were born on the island of Ireland. Matthew Thornton of New Hampshire, and James Smith and George Taylor of Pennsylvania.
- Out of the 45 US presidents who have served, a remarkable 23 have Irish heritage according to EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum.
- Derry-born Charles Thomson finalised the design of the Great Seal of the United States and advocated for its motto: E Pluribus Unum - “Out of many, one.”
