THE US AMBASSADOR to Ireland hosted a celebration of America’s 250th Independence Day in Phoenix Park on Wednesday, with the event concluding with a firework display. 

The party itself, we’re told, was full of the usual pomp you’d associate with this kind of bash. 

Some local residents were left far from a party mood, however, as they heard loud bangs at around 11pm. 

Dubliners took to Reddit to express their disarray over “loud popping noises”.

Some were under the impression that it was linked to the European Presidency opening event, as it was unclear that any US celebrations would be taking place on 1 July and not on 4 July, which is US Independence Day. 

Some members of the public voiced their concern for the animals in Dublin Zoo on a forum on Reddit, while others took to X to give a heads-up for those with pets or young children. 

There were over 4,000 guests as this year’s gathering, and it is believed to be the one of the largest Independence Day receptions ever held in Ireland.

Ambassador Edward S. Walsh welcomed Ireland’s assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, calling it “a real opportunity to deepen the transatlantic partnership at a time when it matters more than ever”.

During the event, guests viewed a special video message from Donald Trump. 

He spoke about his golf course in Doonbeg, Clare as he said in the video “We have a place: that’s so top, and we have the Irish Open going to be there and we’re going to have a tremendous celebration. I think I’m going to come over and I think I’m going to see it and we’re gonna watch Rory [McIlroy] and all the great players.”

The Irish Open will be hosted at the venue in September this year. 

Speaking to the crowd, Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the US-Irish relationship which he said was based on deep historical ties, and added that many Irish emigrants have played key roles in the foundation of the United States.

The celebration combined formal ceremony with cultural performances, including the presentation of the US and Irish flags and renditions of both national anthems. 

Entertainment came from The Camembert Quartet, Garron Noone, Nathan Carter and Sister Sledge.