Press release
St Patrick’s Day 2023 celebrates a century of peace building in the world
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
St Patrick’s Day 2023 marks a century of Ireland’s active membership of the international community, contributing to peace building and supporting democracy, human rights and justice across the globe.
St Patrick’s Day 2023 will see the most ambitious ever engagement by Ireland with the world, with Ministers reaching out to governments and Irish communities on every continent to promote Ireland and Irish interests. 36 representatives of the state will bring Ireland’s message of peace to the world, hosting over 850 official events in 70+ cities across 41 countries.
Ministers will mark a number of significant anniversaries which fall in 2023, including the Centenary of Ireland’s joining the League of Nations, the 50th anniversary of our accession to the then EEC, and especially the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
These pivotal moments in our history will be extensively covered in events around the world, particularly in the US where a Good Friday Agreement event will be hosted by each of Ireland’s 9 US missions. The signature event will be a Gala St Patrick’s Day concert in the Kennedy Centre Washington hosted by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, acknowledging the contribution of the United States to peace in Ireland.
Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, said:
"St Patrick’s Day is a special celebration for Irish people and friends of Ireland all around the world. It is an opportunity to celebrate the best of Ireland – the best of who we are.
"This year, we mark a century of peace building in the World, highlighting Irelands role as an active member of the international community. From joining the League of Nations 100 years ago to our recent term on the Security Council, Ireland’s commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law has been steadfast. We have used our independent voice to highlight injustice and human suffering – and we will continue to build on this work over the next 100 years.
"This St. Patrick's Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to nurturing a peaceful and thriving island. We can only succeed when we work together. Ireland will always be a voice for peace and for democratic values, all over the world.
"St. Patrick’s Day is a special day for the 70 million strong Irish diaspora all around the world. who bring energy, strength and dynamism to their communities and who are wonderful representatives of Ireland.
"I would encourage everyone to visit www.ireland.ie to see some of the activities and events taking place across to globe to celebrate our national day. Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh go léir."
The core theme of the Department of Foreign Affairs St Patrick’s video is Ireland’s commitment to peace building from the very inception of our State, through active multilateralism and unswerving adherence to democratic values. It can be viewed on the department’s social media including YouTube.
Over 850 official St. Patrick’s Day events will take place all around the world, organised by our Embassies and Consulates – focused on engaging with our hugely vibrant Irish community and Diaspora, promoting trade and investment, and celebrating Irish culture.
The objectives for the SPD 2023 programme are:
- communicate that 2023 marks a centenary of peace building for Ireland in the world
- 2023 marks significant anniversaries of the League of Nations, the 50th anniversary of joining EEC, and the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement
- on its 25th anniversary, to reiterate our support for consolidating the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement
- emphasise the importance and value of our membership of the European Union on the 50th anniversary of our accession to the European Communities
- re-affirm Ireland’s steadfast commitment to the people of Ukraine
- connect with Irish communities overseas and emphasise the importance of our Diaspora
- build further on relationships with key political leaders, business leaders, decision makers, influencers and stakeholders across the world
- celebrate Ireland’s contemporary and traditional arts, culture and heritage
- promote Ireland as a great place to live, visit, work, invest in, trade with, and study