Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago

09/08/2026

Last Friday, the Consulate hosted a fascinating lecture exploring the important role Irish Americans in Chicago and the wider Midwest played in shaping America’s understanding of labor rights.

Led by labor historian Professor Rosemary Feurer of Northern Illinois University, the discussion highlighted the legacy of Mary Harris “Mother” Jones and the connections she and other Irish American labor activists drew between civil rights, labor rights, freedom, and democracy.

We were also pleased to welcome Michael Lafferty from the Chicago Roofers Union Local 11, who shared his own labor rights journey going from an apprentice roofer to becoming a leader in the Roofers Union after learning about Mother Jones.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped to make the event such a meaningful discussion.

Mary Harris "Mother" Jones

09/04/2026

The Consulate will be closed on Monday, 07 September in observance of Labor Day.

Irish citizens experiencing a genuine emergency can ring 312-330-7823 for consular assistance.

08/31/2026

The Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago welcomed students from DePaul University today as part of their Discover Chicago Immersion week, led by their professor Dr. Mary McCain.

The students joined us at Ireland House to learn about Ireland, the work of the Consulate, and the role of diplomacy in building connections between countries and communities.

Vice Consul Ben Headon enjoyed the engaging discussion and the balanced questions from students. Opportunities like this are an important component of our public diplomacy work to share Ireland’s story, highlight our close ties to Chicago, and to inspire the next generation of global leaders. 🇮🇪☘️🇺🇸

DePaul University DePaul Irish Studies DePaul University Students

08/27/2026

Great to be back at Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute at Kennedy-King College today to talk to students about the Working Holiday Authorisation Hospitality and Culinary Pilot Programme.🧑‍🍳

In collaboration with the Irish Hotels Federation, this pilot programme pairs eligible students with world class hotels around Ireland for an unforgettable experience of working abroad!☘️

🔗Visit the link in our bio to learn more about the WHA today.

Kennedy-King College Irish Hotels Federation

08/21/2026

Join us to mark Labor Day weekend at Ireland House with a talk on the Irish community’s role in Chicago’s labor movement from the past to the present.

The event forms part of the Consulate’s programme of events to mark USA 250 and will feature a lecture from labor historian Professor Rosemary Feurer of Northern Illinois University and reflections from Mike Lafferty of the Chicago Roofers Union Local 11. The event will also provide an opportunity to learn about the City of Chicago’s planned public monument honouring Irish American labour organiser Mother Jones.

📍 Ireland House, 401 N Michigan, 1500, Chicago 60611
📅 Friday, 4 September
🕔 11.30am – 1.30pm

RSVP at link below by Wednesday, 2 September.
https://usa250motherjones04septevent.eventbrite.ie

Mother Jones Lives

08/20/2026

Irish Fest weekend at Chicago Gaelic Park is here! ☘️

Be sure to drop by our Pop-Up Consulate to say hello and to learn more about the services provided by the Consulate! 👋

CGP Irish Fest Chicago Gaelic Park

08/15/2026

08/15/2026

08/14/2026

It was a privilege to welcome newly elected Mayor of City Galway Helen Ogbu, Galway County Council Cathaoirleach Andrew Reddington, and the visiting Galway Delegation to Ireland House this week.

In partnership with World Business Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International, the evening featured an empowering entrance from Chicago Garda Pipes & Drums and connecting conversations looking to strengthen the relationship between Chicago and Galway☘️

Chicago and Galway will celebrate their 30th year as Sister Cities in 2027. Chicago Sister Cities International develops programs in the areas of cultural arts, tourism, global education, government relationships and international business. Galway is one of the twenty-nine Sister Cities twinned with the city of Chicago 🌆

World Business Chicago Chicago Sister Cities International Galway County Council Galway City Council

08/03/2026

It was a privilege to welcome Minister of State Niamh Smyth TD to Chicago last week for the annual National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit.

During her visit, Minister Smyth engaged with state legislators from across the United States, members of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, EU partners, and business leaders to strengthen the deep connections that underpin the Ireland–US relationship ☘️

The programme reflected Ireland’s commitment to strengthening relationships at the state level, including discussions on shared priorities such as digital safety, economic cooperation, and the enduring people-to-people links between Ireland and the United States.

Over the course of the visit, Minister Smyth had the opportunity to address the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, as well as participate in EU delegation engagements highlighting Ireland’s role as holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and commitment to online safety.

The visit also incorporated valuable engagements with Enterprise Ireland partners Kerry and Skillwell.

With thanks the National Conference of State Legislatures, the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, the Illinois Irish Caucus, Enterprise Ireland, the Delegation of the European Union to the United States all those who contributed to a successful and productive visit 🇮🇪 🇺🇸

Niamh Smyth TD NCSL EU in the U.S. Enterprise Ireland Embassy of Ireland, USA Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026