The new US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S Walsh, speaking at the Embassy's 4th of July celebrations for 2025.US Embassy
The new US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S Walsh, hosted an Independence Day celebration in Dublin on Thursday evening, July 3.
The celebration was hosted on the lawn of the Deerfield Residence, the official residence of the US Ambassador, in Dublin's Phoenix Park.
Approximately 2,500 guests from the worlds of politics, business, culture, sport, and media attended the event, marking the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America.
Fireworks over the US Embassy in Dublin for July 4th, 2025.
Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Minister for Defence, delivered remarks alongside the US Ambassador on Thursday.
The new US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S Walsh and Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Minister for Defence.
In his first public event since presenting his credentials to President Higgins on Tuesday, Ambassador Walsh thanked the crowd for their warm welcome.
“I have been told that this is the best job in the entire world — and judging by this past week, and especially tonight, I already believe it,” Walsh said.
Commenting on his new role, he added: “I stand before you as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course.
"As the new U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, I look forward to building lasting relationships, communicating openly, and embracing all that brings our peoples together.”
The new US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S Walsh.
Ambassador Walsh introduced his wife, Lynn; his daughter, Maggie, and her husband, Matthew Kelly; and his daughter, Anna, and her fiancé, Pat Beljan. His daughter Rachel was at home in New Jersey with her husband, Joe McGrath, and their two children.
From hot dogs and hamburgers to bourbon and beer, the event featured a wide variety of classic American fare.
Entertainment included performances by Una Healy and Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats, The Controversial Allstars, and Michael Flatley, who performed a tune on his flute.
The national anthems were performed by Emmet Cahill and Sean Tester.
Sean Tester singing the national anthem.
The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display set to songs favored by US President Donald J. Trump, including “America the Beautiful” and “YMCA.”