The United States and Ireland share a common set of values and democratic practices; and many Americans have strong ancestral ties to the island. In addition to ongoing dialogue on political and economic matters, the U.S. and Irish Governments regularly engage in areas such as medical research and education.

Militarily, Ireland is and has been an important contributor to numerous international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, including UNIFIL in Lebanon, UNIMIL in Liberia, KFOR and EUFOR in the Balkans, and MINURCAT II in Chad.