RTÉ’s Director General Kevin Bakhurst, Marty Morrissey, Shane Lowry and Michael Flatley were among the 4,000 guests from the world of showbiz, politics and sports who celebrated America’s 250th Independence Day in Dublin on Wednesday.

U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Edward S. Walsh hosted a star-spangled bash for America’s 250th Independence Day at Deerfield, the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Phoenix Park.

Also among the 4,000 guests at this year’s gathering were Nationwide host, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, Dublin GAA legend, Bernard Brogan, and politician Michael Healy Rae.

Newly crowned Miss Universe Ireland, Aideen Howard, and Miss Ireland’s Caoimhe Kenny were also spotted enjoying the party.

During the event, guests were treated to American-style hotdogs and burgers and a food court featuring some of America’s well-known food brands.

As for the music, attendees enjoyed entertainment from The Camembert Quartet, Garron Noone, Nathan Carter and Sister Sledge.  

It is believed to be one of the largest Independence Day receptions ever held at Deerfield. 

A video from U.S. President Donald Trump was also played during the speeches, where he said he will ‘consider visiting’ Ireland during the Irish Open.

The Amgen Irish Open will take place at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, Co Clare, from the 9 to the 13 of September this year.

Mr Trump also gave a shout-out to ‘great’ golfer Rory McIlroy during his speech.

He said: ‘I think I’m going to come over, and I’m going to see it. We’re going to watch Rory and all the great players. That’ll be something very, very special.’

He also praised his golf course at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, Co Clare, describing it as a ‘beautiful place.’

He added: ‘It’s one of the best, most beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world. You know that?

‘We have a place that’s so top, and we have the Irish Open going to be there, and we’re going to have a tremendous celebration.’

Ambassador Walsh described the U.S.-Irish partnership as ‘one of the most dynamic in the world’, grounded in shared democratic values and backed by strong economic and innovation ties. 

He said: ‘Trade and investment between our countries support hundreds of thousands of jobs in Ireland and across all fifty U.S. states.

‘That is not just history – that is momentum. Whether it is artificial intelligence, life sciences, or technologies we have not yet imagined, the future is being shaped right now, and the United States and Ireland are shaping it together.’

He welcomed Ireland’s assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, calling it ‘a real opportunity to deepen the transatlantic partnership at a time when it matters more than ever,’ and reaffirmed U.S. support for peace and stability on the island of Ireland.  

Taoiseach Micheál Martin also attended the event.

He said: ‘I was delighted to join Ambassador Walsh today to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday.

‘Ours is a relationship based on deep historical ties, with many Irish emigrants playing key roles in the foundation of the United States. 

‘Today also marks the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union — during which we will work to deepen and protect Europe’s vital relationship with the United States. 

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we do so not simply by reflecting on the past, but by reaffirming our shared commitment to the future.

‘In a world of uncertainty, our greatest strength lies in our willingness to work together to build societies that are defined by peace, partnership, and prosperity.’

The celebration also combined formal ceremony with cultural performances, including the presentation of the U.S. and Irish flags and renditions of both national anthems.

The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. 

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