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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Old Portland/New Portland St. Patrick’s Day Trail
Old Portland/New Portland St. Patrick’s Day Trail

There is so much more to Saint Patrick’s Day in Portland than drinking, dancing and music. But they’re a big part of the day. Old Portland and New Portland meet on March 17 and here’s a guide to where and when. And a look at what’s happening in Heppner, OR.

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Farewell to a fine Portland Hibernian
Farewell to a fine Portland Hibernian

The weekly PDX Hibernian Independent notes the passing of our friend Peter Cullen and looks at St. Patrick’s Day events in Portland OR including the one that’s been around since World War Two.

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100 years ago: Irish Portland’s proudest day
100 years ago: Irish Portland’s proudest day

In this week’s edition of the PDX Hibernian Independent you can read about the landmark milestone celebrated this month at Portland’s Catholic cathedral.

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It’s beginning to look like St. Patrick’s Day
It’s beginning to look like St. Patrick’s Day

All things Irish. Long lasting items Made in Ireland - crystal, lace, china, pottery, caps - will be the focus at the PHS meeting Thursday Feb. 9 at Kells Restaurant at Six P.M.

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From the Portland Hibernian Society Blog:

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Photos from a Banquet
Photos from a Banquet

There are thousands of banquets being held around the world this month of March 2026 with the same theme: Hail glorious Saint Patrick….in so many words. Portland is no exception. Hibernian Colleen Schultz shared these photographs from the evening.

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Overlooked Irish American tradition explained
Overlooked Irish American tradition explained

Part of the annual observance of Saint Patrick’s Day in March is the issuing of the Irish-America Heritage Month Proclamation. What’s with that?

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It’s a wonderful Irish American life
It’s a wonderful Irish American life

Peter Cullen, who has been at the center of Irish American activities in Greater Portland since the turn of the century, has passed away. What a life for this devoted family man, proud and active Hibernian, native Irishman and friend to hundreds.

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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.