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Here's How President Obama Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

March 17, 2015 at 1:53 PM ET by Miranda Houchins
Summary: 
On March 17th 2015, President Obama celebrated St. Patrick's Day by meeting with Irish Prime Minister Kenny.

1.  Make everything green.

Six years ago, First Lady Michelle Obama requested that the White House fountain be dyed green -- similar to a Chicago tradition, wherein the city dyes its river green. This White House St. Patty’s Day tradition continued today.

The Water in the Fountain on the North Lawn of the White House is Dyed Green in Honor of St. Patrick's Day

The water in the fountain on the North Lawn of the White House is dyed green in honor of St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

 

2. Host the Irish Prime Minister.

“This is one of my favorite times of year because I'm able to join with our friends from Ireland to celebrate the incredible bond that exists between our two countries.”

In the Oval Office today, President Obama congratulated Taoiseach Kenny on the economic progress made over the last several years in Ireland. He complimented his leadership, saying it has “allowed the country to build for the future and attracting businesses with a highly skilled and well-educated workforce."

Additionally, the President recognized the tremendous investments made by both American and Irish companies that continue to improve our economy through trade. You can read the full remarks from this morning here. 

3. Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine and music. 

President Obama took Prime Minister Kenny for lunch at the U.S. Capitol.  He told him earlier he looked forward to "a good lunch and, I suspect, some good Irish music.”

Entertainers at the Friends of Ireland Luncheon on Capitol Hill.
President Barack Obama offers a toast to Prime Minister Enda Kenny of Ireland during a St. Patrick's Day lunch

President Barack Obama offers a toast to Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny of Ireland during a St. Patrick's Day lunch at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., March 17, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

4. Commemorate the accomplishments of Irish Americans.

To end the day's festivities, President Obama and Prime Minister Enda Kenny made final remarks that recognized the struggle the Irish overcame and praised their success in today's world. Prime Minister Kenny thanked President Obama for his ongoing support in Ireland's peace process and his immigration reform that improved the lives of 11 million Irish people. 

"The improvement that the U.S. economy is making under your leadership, President, is essential not only to jobs and growth in the United States, but also to Ireland’s recovery and growth throughout the global economy."

 -Prime Minister Enda Kenny

After the remarks, the Irish prime minister gave the U.S. president a bowl of shamrocks as a gift to continue the annual Shamrock Ceremony tradition.

Prime Minister Enda Kenny presents a shamrock bowl to President Barack Obama

Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny presents a shamrock bowl to President Barack Obama during a St. Patrick's Day reception in the East Room of the White House, March 17, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

5. Drink a beer.

Of course.

"When Irish and Americans get together, there’s more than a diplomatic exchange. It is a family reunion."