Press release
Taoiseach presents Irish-made crystal bowl with live Irish shamrock to US President for St Patrick’s Day 2025
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Taoiseach Micheál Martin today presented a beautifully crafted Irish-made crystal bowl containing fresh shamrock to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, at the White House for the occasion of St Patrick’s Day 2025.
The presentation of shamrock to the White House has long been a symbol of the friendship between Ireland and the United States. This tradition dates back to 1953, when Ambassador John Joseph Hearne, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States (1950-1960), first presented a bowl of shamrock to US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Since then, the ceremony has continued annually through successive administrations.
Typically, the shamrock has been presented in an Irish-crafted bowl, which serves as a testament to Ireland’s ongoing tradition of craftsmanship, skill and attention to detail. Shamrock has previously been presented in a silver bowl, with both options embodying Ireland's commitment to excellence in design and artistry.
The first Taoiseach to present the shamrock was John A. Costello in 1956 and since then, this ceremonial gesture has become an annual tradition conducted by the Taoiseach of the day. The bowl used for this presentation is sourced from various suppliers in Ireland, with design, manufacture and quality at the forefront of selection criteria. In recent years, artisan craftspeople have been included in the creation of these bowls, ensuring that each presentation reflects the finest of Irish craftsmanship.
For this year’s ceremony, the shamrock was provided by Living Shamrock, a company based in Ballinskelligs, County Kerry. The fresh shamrock was grown and harvested for export with the required phytosanitary certifications.
The crystal bowl, presented to President Trump, was created by the House of Waterford, part of the Fiskars Group, known for its fine Irish crystal production.
The Waterford shamrock bowl is adorned with motifs that blend Irish heritage with craftsmanship. The intricate patterning prominently features a trinity knot. This emblem is deeply rooted in Celtic culture and represents the eternal interconnectedness of life through its three interweaving loops. It is also an expression of unity, strength and endurance.
Waterford designers have introduced artful references to the United States to complement the trinity knot. The 50-point star on the base represents the states of the union, for example, and delicately etched rosettes reflect the décor of the White House.
The annual tradition of presenting shamrock at the White House reflects the deep cultural and diplomatic ties between Ireland and the United States. The presentation ceremony provides a special opportunity to celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage, its strong ties with the US and the shared values of friendship, peace and prosperity between the two nations.