The Irish Government has released the itinerary for its 2026 St Patrick’s Day Global Outreach Programme, confirming that 40 senior representatives—including the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and four cabinet ministers—will travel to more than 50 countries between 9 and 19 March. Now in its 15th year, the programme uses Ireland’s national holiday as a springboard for high-level meetings with political leaders and multinational executives, aiming to boost trade, tourism and investment.
Destinations span all continents: the Taoiseach will lead a US West-Coast swing taking in San Francisco and Seattle; the Tánaiste will tour Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia to pitch Ireland as an EU gateway for Asian firms; while the Minister for Further and Higher Education will visit Brazil and Argentina to deepen research links. New stops this year include Nairobi and Abu Dhabi, reflecting Ireland’s bid for a UN Security-Council seat in 2029.
Enterprise Ireland will pair each minister with a business delegation, arranging sector-specific events on fintech, med-tech, and sustainable aviation fuel. IDA Ireland says last year’s mission generated €165 million in announced investments, and it aims to exceed that figure in 2026. For Irish companies with overseas subsidiaries, the roadshow offers rare C-level access: registration for trade events will open on 3 February via the Department of Foreign Affairs portal.
![Irish ministers to visit 50+ countries on 2026 St Patrick’s Day economic mission]()
Whether you’re part of those delegations, an expatriate renewing documents, or simply planning to follow the festivities abroad, VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork. The online platform offers real-time visa requirements, electronic applications and passport services for Ireland and 200+ destinations—saving time before you board. Visit https://www.visahq.com/ireland/ for tailored guidance.
The outreach also carries mobility implications for multinational employees posted to Ireland. Consular teams will host “Passport Express” clinics in Sydney, Chicago and Dubai, allowing expatriates to renew Irish passports in 48 hours, and the Revenue Commissioners will brief HR managers on the KEEP share-option scheme for inbound assignees.
The government insists travel costs are tightly controlled—delegations must fly economy short-haul and premium-economy long-haul unless meetings require flexibility. Opposition parties have nonetheless asked for a post-mission cost-benefit report, arguing that virtual diplomacy could meet some objectives.
Destinations span all continents: the Taoiseach will lead a US West-Coast swing taking in San Francisco and Seattle; the Tánaiste will tour Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia to pitch Ireland as an EU gateway for Asian firms; while the Minister for Further and Higher Education will visit Brazil and Argentina to deepen research links. New stops this year include Nairobi and Abu Dhabi, reflecting Ireland’s bid for a UN Security-Council seat in 2029.
Enterprise Ireland will pair each minister with a business delegation, arranging sector-specific events on fintech, med-tech, and sustainable aviation fuel. IDA Ireland says last year’s mission generated €165 million in announced investments, and it aims to exceed that figure in 2026. For Irish companies with overseas subsidiaries, the roadshow offers rare C-level access: registration for trade events will open on 3 February via the Department of Foreign Affairs portal.
Whether you’re part of those delegations, an expatriate renewing documents, or simply planning to follow the festivities abroad, VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork. The online platform offers real-time visa requirements, electronic applications and passport services for Ireland and 200+ destinations—saving time before you board. Visit https://www.visahq.com/ireland/ for tailored guidance.
The outreach also carries mobility implications for multinational employees posted to Ireland. Consular teams will host “Passport Express” clinics in Sydney, Chicago and Dubai, allowing expatriates to renew Irish passports in 48 hours, and the Revenue Commissioners will brief HR managers on the KEEP share-option scheme for inbound assignees.
The government insists travel costs are tightly controlled—delegations must fly economy short-haul and premium-economy long-haul unless meetings require flexibility. Opposition parties have nonetheless asked for a post-mission cost-benefit report, arguing that virtual diplomacy could meet some objectives.
