For more than 25 years, the Irish Institute of Boston College has served as a bridge between Boston and Ireland鈥攏orth and south. Rooted in Boston College鈥檚 deep Irish heritage, the Institute has played a vital role in supporting the Northern Ireland peace process and fostering enduring partnerships between the US and Ireland.
Through its research, events and programs, the Institute has sought to promote social and economic progress across Ireland and beyond. Today, the Institute continues to strengthen understanding and collaboration鈥攄eepening Boston鈥檚 connections to Ireland and empowering a new generation of leaders dedicated to peace, prosperity, and progress.
听 听听
-
听听
听听
Guest Essay by Professor Gary Murphy听听
School of Law and Government, Dublin City University
鈥淰oters, Connolly believes, did not choose a silent figurehead or a puppet 鈥� they chose a president with a democratic mandate.鈥�
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 26, 2026:听听Brendan O鈥橪eary,听Lauder Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania
The US, Irish America, & the Irish Peace Process:听Preliminary Reflections, Observations & Recollections
If the realist theories of international relations were correct, there would have been little or no sustained U.S. governmental involvement in the Irish peace process in the 1990s and beyond. Yet history tells a different story. What explains the enduring role of Irish America in shaping U.S. policy toward Irish nationalism, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland? How has that influence evolved over time, and what does the future hold? Is the familiar narrative of a 鈥渧anishing鈥� Irish and Irish-American presence in U.S. politics truly plausible?听 Registration is required for this event.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026:
For and Against Irish Unity with Sam McBride and Fintan O鈥橳oole
On March 18 2026, the Irish Institute is delighted to welcome renowned journalists Fintan O鈥橳oole and Sam McBride to Boston College to discuss their recently published book, For and Against a United Ireland (Notre Dame Press) and to consider the strongest arguments for and against a united Ireland. What do the words 鈥渦nited Ireland鈥� even mean? Would it be better for Northern Ireland? Would it improve lives in the Republic of Ireland? And could it be brought about without bloodshed?听 Both authors will each argue the case for and against unity, questioning received wisdom and bringing fresh thinking to one of Ireland鈥檚 most intractable questions.
听
听 听听