2024 marks the 100 year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the US.
On October 7, 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 Ireland, then a newly independent State.
The US was one of the first nations to recognize the fledgling nation of Ireland. As well as being a landmark moment in Ireland’s relationship with the US, 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 US, claim Irish heritage.
Marking the centenary of relations, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs says: "The relationship between our two countries is based not just on common ancestral bonds but also on shared values and strong economic ties."
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has compiled this overview of the high points of the enduring relationship between Ireland and the US:
Ireland's relationship with the US
More than any other nation, the US has provided unstinting friendship and support throughout Ireland’s existence as a free and democratic state.
The relationship between the two countries is based not just on common ancestral ties but, crucially, on shared human values.
The Irish played a vital role in the American War of Independence. Three of the signatories to the 1776 Declaration of Independence were Irish-born, and many others of Irish descent. The Declaration’s powerful assertions of rights and liberties are clearly echoed in the 1916 Proclamation of Irish Independence.
Irish and American flags. (Getty Images)
Irish heritage in the US
In Ireland’s troubled times, America provided refuge to millions of our people. Today, more than 30 million Americans, 9% of the entire population, claim Irish heritage.
The relationship is still growing. Ireland hosts a larger number of American ‘study abroad’ students than any other country – almost 12,000 every year - while close to 8,000 Irish citizens travel to the US every year on exchange programmes.
Irish and American flags marching up Fifth Avenue for the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Getty Images)
Irish arts and artists
From Eugene O’Neill to Maureen O’Hara, from Sean Scully to U2, the imprint of Irish culture on American life has been immense.
Eavan Boland, Seamus Heaney, Maeve Brennan, Colm Tóibín, Colum McCann, Gabriel Byrne, Paul Muldoon, and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill are just some whose craft was shaped by their connection with the US.
Dublin native Maureen O'Hara became one of the biggest names in Hollywood. (Getty Images)
Joint global development assistance
Ireland and the US bring the same values-driven approach to development assistance – prioritizing human dignity by promoting security, economic opportunity, and democracy.
Irish Aid and USAID have worked together on strategically important development projects.
Peace and human development
Irish and American values are most vividly expressed in their shared commitment to multilateralism, deriving from a deep belief in the shared humanity of people everywhere, and the interdependence of all nations for security and human progress.
Shared commitment
Today, Ireland and the US are partners and colleagues at the United Nations as well as multiple other international organisations that express their shared commitment to human development, peace, and prosperity.
The Good Friday Agreement – a model for reconciliation
Throughout the difficult times of conflict followed by peacebuilding, America has been a steadfast friend to the entire island of Ireland.
In 2023, Ireland celebrated the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement with its American friends who "brought not just statecraft but also a deep understanding of the complexity of relationships on the island of Ireland."
For the US, the Agreement is a pillar of foreign policy and an issue of bipartisan consensus.
Bertie Ahern, George Mitchell, and Tony Blair with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. (RollingNews.ie)
Prosperity
The US is a major goods exporter to Ireland but also Ireland’s top export destination.
For America, Ireland is a strategic gateway to and a vital interlocutor with the other 26 member states of the European Union.
Ireland is the ninth largest source of foreign direct investment into the US, with 700 Irish companies directly responsible for employing 110,000 Americans.
More than 900 US-owned firms have their European headquarters in Ireland, providing 180,000 jobs.
Ireland's modern footprint in the US
100 years on from the appointment of Ambassador Smiddy, Ireland has an extensive diplomatic footprint with a network of nine active diplomatic missions and Honorary Consuls in 11 cities across the US.
Reflecting the strong US-Ireland diplomatic ties that have been nurtured in the past 100 years, 11 representatives from the Irish Government traveled 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.
US President Joe Biden and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during St. Patrick's Day 2024. (White House Flickr)
"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," the Department of Foreign Affairs says.
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