Ireland and the Making of America

UCD Clinton Institute
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We explore the remarkable story of how Ireland and the Irish helped shape the United States. Through conversations with leading historians and authors, the series uncovers the people, ideas and events that connect two nations over more than three centuries. Revealing memorable stories of migration, revolution, politics, literature and identity that continue to resonate today.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    7. The Irish in Sport: From the GAA to American Baseball

    Sport became one of the most important ways Irish immigrants connected with one another, maintained ties to home and found their place in American society. In this episode, historian Mike Cronin (Academic Director of Boston College in Ireland) explores the Irish sporting experience in America: from the arrival of Gaelic games in the nineteenth century to the Irish presence in baseball, boxing, basketball and beyond. From a GAA tour that saw Irish athletes travel across the United States to the rise of Irish-American baseball players, managers and owners, this conversation examines how sport could preserve Irish identity while also becoming a powerful vehicle for assimilation, social mobility and belonging.

  2. Aug 13

    6. Beyond Bridget: The Story of Irish Women in America

    The story of Irish America is often told through the experiences of men, but Irish women played a central role in building immigrant communities across the United States. In this episode, historian Elizabeth Stack (Education Director for the Celtic Junction Arts Center) explores the lives of the largely forgotten women who crossed the Atlantic, often alone, to work, support their families and create networks that helped generations of Irish immigrants settle and thrive. From the stereotype of "Bridget the maid" to the reality of women's ambition, independence and community-building, this conversation reveals a more complex story of Irish women in America - and the often overlooked ways they helped shape the country.

  3. Aug 7

    5. Race and Belonging: The Irish in America

    How did race shape the Irish experience in America? In this episode, historian Miriam Nyhan (Assistant Professor at Mary Immaculate College) explores how Irish immigrants navigated questions of race, identity and belonging in the United States, challenging many of the assumptions that surround the Irish-American story. From nineteenth-century ideas about whiteness and citizenship to the ways Irish communities positioned themselves within American society, this conversation examines how race influenced opportunity, exclusion and identity - and why these histories continue to shape discussions about immigration and belonging today.

  4. Jul 30

    4. Power and Politics: The Rise of Irish America

    The story of Irish America is also a story of political influence. In this episode, historian and author Terry Golway explores how Irish immigrants integrated into and transformed American politics: from local political machines to the highest levels of public office. Tracing the rise of Irish-American political power through New York and beyond, this conversation examines how immigrant communities built influence, reshaped cities and helped define American democracy. From Tammany Hall to the Kennedy era, Terry reveals why the Irish became one of the most influential political communities in the United States.

  5. Jul 23

    3. Beyond the Canon: Irish-American Literature and Identity

    What can literature tell us about the Irish-American experience? In this episode, literary scholar and author Mary Burke (Professor of English at the University of Connecticut) explores how Irish-American writing has reflected changing ideas of identity, belonging and race across generations. From forgotten writers of the 18th century through to Scott Fitzgerald and Margaret Mitchell in the 20th century, this conversation examines how literature reveals the complexity and diversity of Irish America - and why it's time to rethink what we mean by "Irish-American writing."

  6. Jul 16

    2. An Emigrant Nation: The Making of Irish America

    The story of Irish migration to America is often told through the Great Famine, but it began long before and continued long after. In this episode, historian Kevin Kenny (Professor of History at New York University) explores the waves of Irish emigration that transformed both Ireland and the United States. From the Famine and post-famine exodus to changing immigration patterns in the twentieth century, this conversation examines why millions left Ireland, how migration became part of everyday life, and how Irish America continues to evolve today.

  7. Jul 9

    1. The Frontier: How the Scots-Irish Helped Shape Early America

    Long before the Great Famine, thousands of Scots-Irish migrants crossed the Atlantic in search of opportunity, helping to shape the American frontier and the nation's early identity. In this episode, historian Patrick Griffin (Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame) traces their journey from Ulster to colonial America, exploring migration, settlement and the complex legacy they left behind. From the Great Wagon Road to the Revolutionary era, this conversation examines how a community from the margins became central to the making of America: and why their story still matters today. Music: Look inside by Jahzzar Album: Smoke Factory License: CC-BY-SA

  8. Jul 3

    Coming Soon: Ireland and the Making of America

    As America marks 250 years of independence, this series brings together leading historians and authors to uncover the people, ideas and events that connect Ireland and America over more than three centuries. Follow the podcast now so you're notified when the first episode drops!

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About

We explore the remarkable story of how Ireland and the Irish helped shape the United States. Through conversations with leading historians and authors, the series uncovers the people, ideas and events that connect two nations over more than three centuries. Revealing memorable stories of migration, revolution, politics, literature and identity that continue to resonate today.

Information

  • Creator
    UCD Clinton Institute
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UCD Clinton Institute