The Hibernian Independent
Read The Hibernian Independent to keep up with popular topics and current controversies in Portland, Ireland and Irish America.
Samhain - Why do the Irish put coins in the food?
Oíche Shamhna faoi mhaise is how you say Happy Halloween in Irish Gaelic, says the transition service. We’ll stick with Happy Samhain (sow-in). In this week’s PDX HI: The death of Donal Lunny, the coming of the Tannahill Weavers, the return of the Spirit of Ireland Book Night and more.
“Every shade of green”
We’ll gather tonight October 15 at Kells Restaurant. No-host dinner at Six P.M. Presentation at Seven P.M. No cover charge. All are welcome. 112 SW Second Avenue. Downtown Portland. “There is more to Irish-Canadian history that most people know…especially Americans,” Hibernian Dan Holden. So why the current conflict? Discussion to follow. Special guest from our other neighbor to the north, Caron McMahon, president of the Irish Heritage Club of Seattle,
HI - Hibernian Intelligence
HI - Hibernian Intelligence. Here’s the scoop on a gathering in Portland recently of some very prestigious legal minds to honor Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain. Seven years ago the judge shared with Hibernians his story of growing up the son of Irish emigrants in Queens.
The Weekend That Was in Ireland
There was no shortage of hard news when President Trump got exposed to Ireland’s “soft power” this past weekend. Read abut what happened and catch up on the latest news about the Portland Hibernian Society meeting Thursday Sept. 17.
Get out the fleece. PHS Fall Season is coming
You can find THE PORTLAND HIBERNIAN Society meeting schedule for Fall 2026 right here in the latest issue of the PDX Hibernian Independent. Featured speakers include Steve Law, actor of Peddlers of Hate - How the KKK seized power in 192os Oregon.
The Irish Picnic is part of our history here
In the latest issue of th PDX Hibernian Independent, another look at the long-running tradition of the Irish Picnic. The Irish of Portland started these Summer celebrations more than 150 years ago. And haven’t stopped.
First ever Sister City in Ireland for Oregon
Bandon, Oregon and Bandon, Ireland are officially sister cities. It happened a couple of years ago but just now we’re getting details of what that means. This week’s PDX HI has the latest and a promise of continuing coverage.
Next Gen Kennedy to Congress? Consul General event
Details on a going away event for Consul General Micheal Smith. News from Ireland and New York. The latest Kennedy with sights set on a seat in Congress - Jack Schlossberg, son of Caroline - is ahead in the polls. For now. In the PDX Hibernian Independent.
In search of the Celtic Cross in Times Square
This week’s PDX Hibernian Independent is on the road to New York City to take a look at one of the few Celtic Crosses in America. This is NOT a Celtic High Cross. Its something else.
May events for Irish people in Greater Portland
The month of May means many opportunities for Irish people in Greater Portland to come out and share your Irishness. There’s the monthly PHS meeting May 21. The Consul General’s in town May 14. And don’t miss Sean Nos Northwest where, among other things, dancers will take to the top of a barrel at Kells in Downtown Portland to show some steps.
An Irish passport: Your friend with benefits
Irish Citizenship - Who is eligible? What documents are needed? How long will it take. When can I get an Irish passport? All your questions will be answered at Kells in Downtown Portland on May 14. See the PDX HI for details.
Rory McIlroy - A new book and a shot at back-to back Masters titles
The 85th anniversary of the Bombing of Belfast by Germany in World War Two is upon us. How an Irish songstress saved many lives. Can Rory McElroy repeat at Augusta? Only thee other golfers have won back-to-back Masters. PLUS other stories in the latest PDX Hibernian Independent.
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.
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.
Is Seamus Culleton of Kilkenny “the worst of the worst”?
Seamus Culleton of Co. Kilkenny came to America 20 years ago and overstayed his visa. Since then he’s married an American woman and applied for citizenship. Culleton has no criminal record. Picked up by ICE after a visit to Home Depot, he’s been in custody for five months. Read his story in the latest issue of the PDX Hibernian Independent.
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.
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.
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.
Ireland’s Number One Christmas Song
A commemoration/celebration of the Hibernian High Cross at Mt. Calvary Cemetery was held under sunny skies on Dec. 13, 2025. In other news in the PDX HI - The song Ireland loves at Christmas. Stakeknife explainer.
Decembership - Why join the PHS
Saturday, December 13 - A gathering at The Cross at Mt. Calvary Cemetery All are welcome. See details in the PDX Hibernian Independent. Plus Local Irish News and News From Ireland.