Wicklow TD Edward Timmins proposed an American Presidents’ trail linking ancestral homes of US presidents in Ireland for the America250 celebrations in 2026.
The trail aims to boost tourism, similar to the success of the Wild Atlantic Way, and strengthen Ireland-US relations. Arts Minister Patrick O’Donavan revealed the trail is under consideration as a community-led initiative with support from local authorities.
The proposal aligns with the national programme for America250, marking 250 years since the US Declaration of Independence on 4 July 2026. Three signatories of the Declaration of Independence were born in Ireland, a fact the government aims to promote during the celebrations.
Edward Timmins shared: “I have developed a roadmap for the potential American Presidents’ trail. It would fit the whole purpose of the shared island fund, boost the economy of Northern Ireland and deliver benefits that we cannot predict.”
Patrick O’Donavan shared: “It is not just the presidents of the United States; three of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence were born on the island of Ireland. My Department and I will work with him over the coming months in advance of bringing forward a memorandum to the Government to see how his views can be best represented in that.”
