For more than 25 years, the Irish Institute of Boston College has served as a bridge between Boston and Ireland—north and south. Rooted in Boston College’s 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—deepening Boston’s connections to Ireland and empowering a new generation of leaders dedicated to peace, prosperity, and progress.
November 30, 2025
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Guest Essay by Senator George J. Mitchell
"Today marks the Thirtieth Anniversary of President Bill Clinton’s first visit to Northern Ireland, the first time an American president visited there while in office. It was an historic visit, an important link in the chain of events that led to the end of political violence in Northern Ireland."
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 26, 2026: Brendan O’Leary
The US, Irish America, & the Irish Peace Process: Preliminary Reflections, Observations & Recollections
If the realist theory of international relations was true, then there would have been no active US governmental involvement in the Irish peace process in the 1990s and after. Plainly there’s something obviously wrong with conventional ‘realism.' What then accounts for the varying influence of Irish Americans over time in shaping US policy toward Irish nationalism, in particular toward Northern Ireland? And what does the future hold? The recurrent story of Irish and Irish American vanishing… is it plausible?
For and Against Irish Unity with Sam McBride and Fintan O’Toole
In March 2026, the Irish Institute is delighted to welcome renowned journalists Fintan O’Toole 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 “united Ireland” 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? Both authors will each argue the case for and against unity, questioning received wisdom and bringing fresh thinking to one of Ireland’s most intractable questions.