Two little known Irish American Connections

July the 4th got us thinking about all the ways that Ireland and the USA are connected. As you can imagine, it is quite a long list with strong ancestral ties spanning centuries and the many miles across the Atlantic. But there are two interesting connections you may not know about that link Ireland to iconic symbols of America.

The Irish ‘White House’

The first sits somewhat hidden in the beautiful Phoenix Park in the center of Dublin. A neighbour to the beautiful Deerfield Residence, home to the American Ambassador in Dublin, Áras an Uachtaráin (meaning House of the President) is Ireland’s answer to the iconic White House.

A Presidential Place

‘The Áras’ as it is affectionately known, is more than just a neighbour to the American Ambassador's residence. As well as being the home of the Irish President, the Áras has received many American Presidents in it’s history including Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton, Obama, and Biden. And famous Irish welcomes and hospitality aside, they all must have felt right at home.

Áras an Uachtaráin on a clear day taken by Richie McCann from president.ie

Although it is a little smaller, the Áras bears more than a passing resemblance to The White House. The angled portico, stoic Greek columns and gleaming white facade would have even American Presidents seeing double. Is it the White House?

More Than a Coincidence?

This similarity is so strong that it has lead many to claim that it was no coincidence and that the Áras was inspiration for the White House. Indeed the architect involved was Irish, and there is little doubt James Hoban would have known of the Áras. So was this inspiration for his design of the White House in Washington, D.C? This seems to be a bit of a fanciful story, as the White House porticoes were not part of Hoban's original design but were added later by Benjamin Henry Latrobe.

The real deal, the White House in Washington

A Colorful History

Built in 1751, the Áras does pre-date the White House, and given the Irish architect, we can see how the story got started. It is also not the only story associated with the building, which had a long and colorful history before becoming the Residence of the President of Ireland in 1938. The original house was known as “Ranger’s House” built by the Chief Ranger for Phoenix Park. It was bought for £25,000 in 1782 by the Viceroys who oversaw British rule in Ireland and was the site of the infamous murders of Lord Cavendish, and his Undersecretary, Thomas Henry Burke in 1882. There were happier times in 1911 with the Royal visit of newly crowned King George V and Queen Mary.

Still Standing

The house saw extensive refurbishment and improvements at this time. However a subsequent period of neglect lead to plans for it to be demolished and a new residence built for the President in the late 1930’s. But the outbreak of World War II paused those plans and by the time peace reigned again in Europe, the building was synonymous with the Irish President and it was saved. Irish people today are delighted it is still standing and are very proud of our own “White House” in the Park.

The Star Spangled Banner

Every American school child likely knows the origins of the lyrics of their iconic anthem. The famous words were adapted from a poem written by Francis Scott Keys on September 14, 1814, at Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812.

An English Club Song from an Irish harpist?

But the tune traces it's origins back first to England and then Ireland. “Anacreon in Heaven” was the anthem of a London gentleman's club, written by John Stafford Smith. But Smith never claimed credit for the melody, only the lyrics of the anthem. So we go back father still for the origins of the now famous melody, first written for harp by one of Ireland's greatest composers, Turlough O’Carolan.

We hope you've enjoyed reading about these lesser known, curious Irish - American connections. And of course if you have your own connection to share please comment below. For now we hope our American friends enjoy a happy, healthy July 4th!