Irishmen and their descendants have always played a significant role in America's history. Some of our most fiery patriots, the ones who inspired the colonies on to independence, were of Irish blood. Now, some historians might suggest they were trying to settle a score with England. I don't know why anyone should think such a thing. [Laughter] The truth is, there are few people on this planet whose hearts burn more with a flame of freedom than do the Irish. And maybe that's why so many were moved to come here and be part of our noble experiment. In a world awash with dictatorships and despotism, we can be proud that Ireland and the United States remain dedicated to the principles of liberty.

President Ronald Reagan
Remarks of the President and Prime Minister Charles Haughey of Ireland at a Luncheon Honoring the Prime Minister 03/17/1982

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

We in the United States know the great contribution made by citizens of Irish ancestry. From our Revolution to the present day, Irish Americans have been at the forefront of the defense of freedom. By their labor and by their sacrifices, they have been a major force in building our nation. It is therefore gratifying on this St. Patrick's Day to be able to pay tribute to the great role Ireland and the Irish have played in defending and renewing the values we cherish.

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
Statement on St. Patrick’s Day 03/17/1981

On March 17, 1981, President Ronald Reagan attended the St. Patricks’ Day luncheon at the Irish Embassy hosted by the Irish Ambassador Sean Donlon. He received the traditional shamrock and the Reagan Irish family tree on vellum. For the next seven years, President Reagan continued to participate in the presentation of the shamrock.

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Visit to Ireland: June 1, 1984 - June 2, 1984

To be able to begin our journey on this isle of wondrous beauty, with a countryside green as no other place seems to be, to be able to stand on the soil of my ancestors among all of you is, for me, a very special gift. I want you to know that for this great-grandson of Ireland, this is a moment of joy. And I'm returning not only to my own roots, I'm returning to America's roots. So much of what America means and stands for we owe to you -- to your indomitable spirit and generosity and to your impassioned love for liberty and independence.

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
Remarks on Arrival at Shannon Airport in Shannon, Ireland 06/01/1984

Ahead of the London Economic Summit, President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan traveled to Ireland in June 1984.

On June 1, 1984, President Reagan and Nancy Reagan traveled to Shannon Airport in County Clare, Ireland where they participated in an arrival ceremony. After, they traveled to Ashford Castle via Marine One where they spent two nights.

On June 2, 1984, President Reagan delivered his Remarks at University College, Galway and presented a proclamation recognizing Galway’s 500^th anniversary. Prior to his remarks, President Reagan received an honorary doctorate of laws from the National University of Ireland.

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Visit to President Reagan's Hometown of Ballyporeen, Ireland: June 3, 1984

Of all the honors and gifts that have been afforded me as President, this visit is the one that I will cherish dearly. You see, I didn't know much about my family background -- not because of a lack of interest, but because my father was orphaned before he was 6 years old. And now thanks to you and the efforts of good people who have dug into the history of a poor immigrant family, I know at last whence I came. And this has given my soul a new contentment. And it is a joyous feeling. It is like coming home after a long journey.

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
Remarks to the Citizens of Ballyporeen, Ireland 06/03/1984

On June 3, 1984, President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan visited his ancestral home of Ballyporeen in County Tipperary, Ireland.

Events of the day included: viewing the baptismal record of Michael Reagan (President Reagan’s great-grandfather), attending Parish Prayer Service at Church of the Assumption, seeing the future location of the Ronald Reagan Community Center, stopping at O’Farrell’s Pub, receiving a copy of President Reagan’s family tree, viewing a cultural performance, receiving gifts from the Ballyporeen Community and Ballyporeen Parish, and delivering remarks to the citizens of Ballyporeen.

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Visit to Ireland: June 3, 1984 - June 4, 1984

Your warmth has touched our hearts. You've made this traveler feel like one of the family. Now it's time to say goodbye, and as I leave, I feel such a tug, and I want to stay with you and laugh and talk some more. There's something in your country that makes the American Irish feel like exiles when they leave as if they're leaving a part of themselves behind.

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
Remarks on Departure From Dublin, Ireland 06/04/1984

Immediately following their visit to Ballyporeen on June 3, 1984, President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan traveled via Marine One to Dublin, Ireland. Their schedule included: meeting the Lord Mayor of Dublin, greeting members of the U.S. Embassy staff, participating in a Tree Planting Ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the President of Ireland), and attending a State Dinner at Dublin Castle.

Before their departure for London, England on June 4, 1984, President Reagan addressed a Joint Session of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament). Subjects of the speech included: the Soviet Union, Northern Ireland, Central America, and Latin America.

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Gifts Housed in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Artifact Collection

Mr. President, it's an old established tradition that a shamrock is presented to the President of the United States on St. Patrick's Day -- I hope I can get this pin out. [Laughter] And this reflects the ties of kinship between the Irish in our island and the Irish here in the United States of whom you, sir, are the great representative. Thank you.

IRISH AMBASSADOR TADHG F. O'SULLIVAN
Remarks of the President and Irish Ambassador Tadhg F. O’Sullivan at a St. Patrick’s Day Ceremony 03/15/1985

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