Portland, Oregon’s connection to Ireland and Irish America

The Portland Hibernian Society exists for anyone who wants to get together with like-minded people to learn more about Ireland - its history, its culture, its people, its politics. We gather on the Third Thursday of the month (Sept. through July) at Kells Restaurant (112 SW Second Ave Portland). You never know what we’ll be getting up to. The PHS also publishes a newsletter The PDX Hibernian Independent.

From The Hibernian Independent:

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A Scottish Saint Patrick’s Day (sort of)
A Scottish Saint Patrick’s Day (sort of)

Bring on the haggis! Local Scots prepare for annual celebration of the birth date of poet Robert Burns. And other news from here and Ireland.

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Your own Irish Origin Story
Your own Irish Origin Story

This week’s PDX Hibernian Independent covers Jessie Buckley’s victory at the Golden Globes. You’ll also read about our Hibernian initiative for 2026 to track down our ancestors. The history of Jessie Buckley’s great-grandmother, an Irish freedom fighter, is a perfect case study.

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Irish news for a wet dry January
Irish news for a wet dry January

Saint Patrick’s Day is closer than you think. Make plans now. This week’s PDX HI includes stories about and links to Portland-area Irish events and news from Ireland. Enjoy.

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Fáilte 2026
Fáilte 2026

Nollaig maBan - Women’s Christmas - is an old Irish tradition that falls on January 6. (It’s pronounced no leg nah mon.). Irish women, who handle about 90% + of the Christmas tasks and traditions, would get the day off. Read more in the latest PDX HI.

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From the Portland Hibernian Society Blog:

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Eric Trump and Ireland - Why he loves it so much
Eric Trump and Ireland - Why he loves it so much

Eric Trump, in Ireland to prepare for hosting the Amgen Irish Open in September, says his “niceness” comes from the Co. Cavan woman who raised him.

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That other airport in the West of Ireland
That other airport in the West of Ireland

Forty years ago, residents of the West of Ireland began to see jets landing and leaving from Knock International Airport prior to its official opening in May 1986. Most had never seen such a sight and showed up on the big day. How Knock Airport got built is an amazing Irish story.

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Another Irish High Cross is headed to Greater Portland
Another Irish High Cross is headed to Greater Portland

The Hibernian High Cross at the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial inspired the President of George Fox College to commission a second High Cross sandstone replica by the late artist Brendan McGloin. The Cross is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

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Portland’s Irish Potato Famine Memorial

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The brilliant career of Mary McAleese
The brilliant career of Mary McAleese

Mary McAleese (L), the eighth President of Ireland (1997 - 2011) came to Portland seventeen years ago to dedicate the Celtic Cross at the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial. Find out more about who she is and what she’s doing today.

Build the Nation: A Blessing
Build the Nation: A Blessing

by Father Jim Galluzzo. Delivered at the fifteenth anniversary of the dedication of the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial - 13 December 2023 - Mount Calvary Cemetery Portland Oregon.

Oregon Potato Famine Memorial 15th Anniversary
Oregon Potato Famine Memorial 15th Anniversary

In the summer of 2023, the newly appointed Consul General of Ireland on the West Coast, Micheal Smith, came to Portland to visit the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial. Here’s the presentation given to familiarize Smith with its back story and the accomplishment this Memorial represents for local members of the Irish Diaspora.