100 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States
2024 marks the hundred-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States.
On 7 October 1924, Professor Timothy Smiddy presented credentials to President Calvin Coolidge, becoming Ireland's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the US. Ambassador Smiddy was the first diplomatic agent officially appointed by our newly independent State.
The United States was one of the first nations to recognise our fledgling nation. As well as being a landmark moment in Ireland’s relationship with the United States, it was also a crucial moment in cementing Ireland’s independence and self-determination.
Today, over 30 million Americans, 9% of the population of the United States, claim Irish heritage. The relationship between our two countries is based not just on common ancestral bonds but also on shared values and strong economic ties.
Celebrating the Centenary
Modern footprint in the USA
100 years on from the appointment of Ambassador Smiddy, Ireland has an extensive diplomatic footprint with a network of 9 active diplomatic missions and Honorary Consuls in 11 cities across the United States.
Reflecting the strong US-Ireland diplomatic ties that have been nurtured in the past 100 years, 11 Government representatives travelled to over 25 US cities to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2024, including the annual Shamrock Bowl Ceremony in the White House with the Taoiseach and President Biden.
Ireland is proud of our unique and enduring relationship with the United States and we look forward to the next hundred years of diplomatic relations.
$322.6bn
in Irish foreign direct investment into the US in 2023, making Ireland the 7th largest source of FDI into the USA.
30 million+
Americans claim Irish heritage
1952
Ireland’s Ambassador to the US, John Hearne, sent a small box of shamrocks to US President Harry Truman, unknowingly creating the Shamrock Ceremony, a tradition that continues today.
American Presidential visits
Explore a timeline of American Presidential visits to Ireland, from President John F. Kennedy’s visit in 1963 up to President Joe Biden’s visit in 2024.
