Burke begins St Patrick’s Day mission to United States

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has commenced a week long programme in New York and New Jersey to mark St Patrick’s Day 2026, with the aim of highlighting the depth, value and future ambition of the Ireland United States relationship.

The March 11–18 programme includes 45 different meetings and events, places emphasis on economic growth, diaspora engagement and the celebration of 250 years of the United States, recognising the role of Irish people in the founding and shaping of the USA.

Minister Burke’s visit includes key engagements at Ireland Day at the New York Stock Exchange, the Irish Funds Global Seminar, the St Patrick’s Day Foundation Gala and meetings with the Irish community in Woodlawn and Manhattan.

He will meet Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani, attend St Patrick’s Day Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral and march in the 256th New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade, as well as the Morristown, New Jersey Parade.

He will also hold a number of meetings with major US investors, as well as Irish companies hoping to expand their market share in the US.

Minister Burke said: “Nowhere marks St Patrick’s Day quite like New York. I am here to celebrate the contribution of the Irish community and to strengthen the economic partnerships that deliver jobs, innovation and opportunity on both sides of the Atlantic.

“The US Ireland relationship is historic, but it is also dynamic and forward looking. As America marks 250 years of independence, we honour the Irish who helped shape this nation, and we look to the future with ambition, confidence and shared purpose.”

A key theme of the mission is recognising the two-way partnership:

• Ireland is the fifth largest foreign direct investor in the United States. In New York alone, 171 Irish companies employ 15,000 people; in New Jersey, Irish-owned firms employ 7,000 people.

• New York and New Jersey are home to more than 3 million people of Irish heritage.

• Minister Burke will attend community receptions, Irish cultural events and the 135th anniversary of the Longford Association of Greater New York.

Honouring 250 years of the United States:

• Three signatories of the Declaration of Independence were Irish-born, and an estimated 45% of the Continental Army were of Irish birth or descent.

• This year’s St Patrick’s Day programme will highlight Ireland’s historical contribution to the founding of the United States and the enduring strength of the Irish-American story.

Minister Burke added: “Ireland may be a country of 5.5 million people, but we are a global community of many millions more. St Patrick’s Day is our moment to honour that spirit of connection and to build the partnerships that will define the next century of Irish American collaboration.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth will travel to Florida for the St Patrick’s Week programme. She said: “My visit to Florida for the St Patrick’s Day programme is an opportunity to celebrate Ireland’s culture and heritage, and the future-focused partnerships that define the Ireland US relationship.

“The trip takes me to St Augustine, home of the first St Patrick’s Day parade in the United States in 1600, as well as DeLand, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami and Tampa, each with its own unique connection to the Irish community and the broader Ireland US story. In DeLand, I look forward to visiting the Kingspan premises and hearing more about this proud Cavan company’s work across North America.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail, Alan Dillon, travels to Guatemala and Mexico to engage with our partners across government, business, and the Irish community.

He said: “I am honoured to travel to Guatemala and Mexico this Week. St Patrick’s Day is a moment when Ireland’s global friendships shine, and I am delighted to join with our communities in Guatemala City and Mexico City to mark our national day.

"Their contribution to strengthening ties between Ireland and the region is invaluable, and I look forward to reaffirming our shared commitment to deepening cooperation in the years ahead. It is a privilege to be the first Minister of the Irish government to visit Guatemala for St Patrick’s Day.”