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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Saint Brigid - Print the legend
Saint Brigid - Print the legend

February 1 is Saint Brigid’s Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde) and the PDX HI has all sorts of stories about who Ireland’s first native Saint really was. What about the Celtic goddess Brigit? It’s her day too.

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Oregon & Ireland - Ties that bind
Oregon & Ireland - Ties that bind

In the latest PDX Hibernian Independent - Intel no longer number one private employer in Oregon. New Oregon-Ireland Sister State Committee appointments. Legislation to ban dual citizenship worries Irish Americans. Saint Brigid’s celebration.

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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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From the Portland Hibernian Society Blog:

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Minneapolis 2026 & Derry 1972
Minneapolis 2026 & Derry 1972

Consider some similarities between the outcomes in Derry in 1972 and in Minneapolis so far in 2026.

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OR names members of IRE Sister State panel
OR names members of IRE Sister State panel

Background on the new, first-ever Oregon-Ireland Sister State Committee. Ireland is establishing official relations with more than 24 states. This initiative, headed by Sen. Mark Daly, is expected to enhance trade, cultural, educational and historical ties between Ireland and its diaspora in America.

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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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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.