AN ALL-ISLAND “American’s President’s Trail” is among the initiatives that will be undertaken to mark the 250^th anniversary of the United States.

Cabinet will today be briefed on Ireland’s national programme to mark the 250^th anniversary of the signing US Declaration of Independence on 4 July.

Last September, Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Semiquincentennial Commission, the organisation responsible for planning the 250th anniversary.

It set out a framework for co-operation between Ireland and the US for the 250th anniversary, including cultural exchanges, educational programmes, and events in both countries.

It also granted Ireland “special status in recognition of its unique contribution to the foundation of the US”.

The America250 programme is intended to “showcase the deep and enduring links between Ireland and America”.

One of the “key” initiatives will be an all-island “American President’s Trail” which will highlight Irish ancestral links to US presidents and there is a tree-planting ceremony planned for July.

Of the 45 individuals who have served as US president, 23 have Irish heritage.

Speaking at a Friends of Ireland Luncheon last month, Trump remarked that the Irish make “great politicians”.

“I was just told that 23 American presidents have some Irish blood in them,” said Trump.

“Some a little bit and some a lot. That’s a pretty big number, nobody else competes with that.”

🔥🚨 President Trump - "You know I was just told that 23 American Presidents had some Irish blood in them!" pic.twitter.com/JqzslmZE6j

— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) March 17, 2026

Cabinet will also be informed of plans for a “flagship” publication on US presidents with Irish roots, which will include an educational version for schools.

Meanwhile, the programme is said to centre on a “major digital cultural project” that will map “Irish music and migration” across the US, as well as “high-profile live events in Boston and beyond”.

The programme will also include a major conference in University College Dublin (UCD), as well as a documentary and exhibition which will be rolled out nationwide.

A national library project is also envisaged to ensure key historical materials are accessible to the public online.

The Government added that the America250 programme offers an opportunity to “highlight the distinct Ulster Scots-Irish contribution to this remarkable story”.

For example, John Dunlap from Co Tyrone produced the first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence.

And of the Declaration’s 56 signatories, three were born on the island of Ireland: Matthew Thornton of New Hampshire, and James Smith and George Taylor of Pennsylvania.

In addition to this, it was Derry-born Charles Thomson who finalised the design of the Great Seal of the United States and advocated for its motto: E Pluribus Unum – “Out of many, one.”