My Ireland
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Two lands, one shared history
Over two million people emigrated from Ireland to America in the 1700s and 1800s, influencing early colonial life and playing an important role in the Revolutionary War. Among the earliest and most significant settlers were the Scots-Irish, many of whom became prominent pioneers, soldiers, and even presidents.
Ballintoy Church, County Antrim © Bernie Brown
Did you know?
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Founding fathers
Eight of the original signatories of the Declaration of Independence had Irish heritage – in fact, five of them had family roots in Ulster.
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Designing the republic
It was Charles Thomson, born in County Londonderry, who designed the Great Seal of the United States.
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What’s in a name?
Stephen Moylan, a proud Cork man and aide to George Washington, coined the phrase “United States of America”.
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Kindred spirits
The Irish people and Choctaw Nation share an unwavering bond thanks to a gesture of extraordinary generosity. In 1847, the Choctaw Nation – still recovering from the Trail of Tears – raised money to support the Irish people during the Great Famine.
If defeated everywhere else I will make my last stand for liberty among the Scotch-Irish of my native Virginia.George Washington, first President of the United States of America
Living culture
Those early settlers brought more than their desire for freedom to America – they carried their cherished traditions, music and a love of storytelling. Part of the fun of a visit to Ireland is tracing that shared culture back to its source – and discovering that the ties between Ireland and America remain as strong as ever.
Matt Molloy's pub, Westport, County Mayo
Explore our heritage
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Feel the beat
Hear how those old traditional tunes evolved in the new world at the Bluegrass Omagh Festival in the Ulster American Folk Park. Or experience the thrill of live music at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast or the Belfast Tattoo.
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A shared spirit
The distilling know-how carried across the Atlantic laid the foundations of America’s whiskey tradition. You can experience that potent mix of craft and innovation at Ireland’s whiskey distilleries.
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Sporting connections
Sport is a passion shared by Ireland and America, from the Friendship Four bringing American college ice hockey to Belfast to Gaelic games taking off across the States.
Rooted in history
250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America’s cultural ties to Ireland remain powerful and our shared family bonds have only deepened. This is where the story began for many American families, and there’s never been a better time to come home to Ireland and discover your roots.
St Patrick's Day parade, Limerick city © Limerick City and County Council
Ancestry fast facts
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Irish America
Over 31.5 million people in the United States claim Irish ancestry – that’s one in every 10 people.
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Presidential ties
23 US presidents have ancestral links to Ireland – 17 of them have connections to Northern Ireland, including Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt. You can explore these presidential roots at ancestral homesteads around the island.
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Transatlantic connections
The America room in the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre in Belfast features historical artefacts and documents which bring the story of the Scots-Irish in America to life.
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Coming home
March is Irish-American Heritage Month AND St Patrick’s Day. This year, why not celebrate your Irish heritage with us – book your trip now.
