Our local Tour guides conduct many tours for American visitors around the 4th of July, America’s Independence Day, each year. Our guides are warm and engaging and always remind our visitors of the Ireland – US connections.  

On the occasion of the 4th of July and on behalf of all of us here in Ireland, we’d like to wish our American visitors a very happy Independence Day. Ireland celebrates the rich historical links with America and the millions of family connections that continue to unite both countries today.

Although the United States and Ireland are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, our histories and our people have been closely connected for centuries. In many ways, the story of America is also part of the Irish story.

Over the generations, millions of Irish people left these shores to build new lives in America. They arrived with little more than hope, determination and a strong sense of community, and they helped shape the country that we know today. Irish men and women contributed to every aspect of American life, from business and politics to education, science, literature and public service.

Today, an incredible thirty-seven million Americans identify themselves as having Irish ancestry. That’s almost seven times the population of Ireland itself! Wherever you travel in the United States, whether it’s New York, Boston, Chicago or San Francisco, you’ll find proud reminders of Irish heritage and traditions that have been carried across the generations.

Here in Ireland, we see the 4th of July as more than simply an American national holiday. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable historical links and friendships that exist between our two countries. Rather than focusing on differences, we celebrate the family connections, the shared history and the cultural ties that have brought our nations together for over two hundred years.

Many Irish families have relatives in America, and many American visitors arrive here searching for the places their ancestors once called home. Those personal stories continue to strengthen the bond between our countries.

So, as celebrations take place across America on July 4th, we in Ireland join in recognising not only the birth of the United States, but also the enduring friendship between the American and Irish people.

If you are visiting Galway, why not book one of our Sightseeing , Walking or Themed tours. If you’d like to socialise with fellow Americans on the evening of the 4th, there is a get-together in Scottie’s American Diner  @scottysgalway in Galway. Thank you for spending part of your Independence Day here with us, and we hope you enjoy your time in Ireland. Have a Happy Fourth of July!