Why the US for Irish Companies
Why the US
A Place to Live, Work, and Do Business
The US-Ireland Partnership
Ireland and the United States share a long-standing strategic partnership grounded in strong diplomatic, political, and institutional connections. Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day engagement at the White House highlights the enduring strength of this relationship.
Beyond government ties, the partnership is reinforced by close people-to-people connections and extensive collaboration across business, education, culture, and travel.
Education, Research & Academic Collaboration
The United States is Ireland’s largest international research collaboration partner, particularly in science, technology, health and climate research.
Extensive research and academic collaborations link Irish and US universities and research centres and third level institutions.
Since its establishment, the US–Ireland Fulbright Programme has supported over 2,500 postgraduate students, scholars, professionals and teachers moving between both countries.
Trade, Connectivity & Strategic Links
The United States is Ireland’s largest trading partner outside the European Union.
Ireland is one of Europe’s most connected transatlantic aviation hubs, supporting business, tourism and cultural exchange between the United States and Europe.
Culture, Sport
& Shared Experiences
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has become a flagship transatlantic sporting event, attracting tens of thousands of US fans to Ireland.
In 2025, Dublin hosted its first regular-season NFL game, marking a milestone in US–Ireland cultural and sporting ties.
Irish cultural, sporting and creative organisations operate throughout the US, supporting community and grassroots engagement.
New York competes in Ireland’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship reflecting the enduring strength of Irish sporting traditions within the US diaspora.
People, Travel &
Diaspora
Over 30 million people in the United States claim Irish ancestry, making it one of the largest ancestral groups in the country.
531,000 Irish residents visited the United States in 2023.
1.2 million US residents visited Ireland in 2023.