Ireland reviews St. Patrick’s Day diplomacy amid global tensions, with a major U.S. visit under scrutiny.

Amidst international tensions, Ireland is reevaluating its St. Patrick's Day diplomatic plans in 2026, with a focus on Taoiseach Michael Martin's planned White House meeting with the United States. Donald Trump, President. The visit is under scrutiny due to U.S. policies regarding immigration, Greenland, and Gaza, which led Sinn Féin to contemplate a boycott, as it did the previous year. The Cabinet will be briefed by Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee on a more comprehensive plan that involves 40 government representatives visiting 52 nations with an emphasis on trade and investment in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and emerging markets. Following Ramadan, visits to the Middle East and North Africa are scheduled for March and April. Higher education and trade missions will also travel to Australia and other places. The initiative highlights Ireland's efforts to fortify international alliances in the face of geopolitical unpredictability.