This paper examines the relationship between Irish Americans living in the United States and natives in Ireland. Although there is currently little interest or interaction between Irish Americans and Ireland, relationships can be found. The first part of this paper outlines the historical context of migration from Ireland to the United States. Among the topics discussed are repressien of Irish Catholics by the English and the great famine of the 1840s. Immigrants to the United States initially were poor and uneducated, but now the Irish Americans as a minority group are extremely educated and economically successful. The main body of the paper explores four aspects of Irish-American culture and explains how they relate to Irish heritage. The four aspects are religion, politics, family, and arts and letters. With respect to religion, the paper discusses the differences between Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants, the role of the clergy and parishes, and a recent decline in religious devotion. In terms of politics, the paper explores the influence of Irish-political structure (precincts) and style (grass-roots personal interaction) upon American politics. Family life is described as being very different in Ireland, where family farming was traditional, as opposed to America, where most families live in urban settings. In terms of letters, a significant decline is noted in the once prolific writing and story-telling by natives in Ireland as opposed to Irish Americans today. (AV)