Skip to main content
Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administ…
Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
St. Patrick’s Day Crystal Punch Bowl
Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administ…
Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.

St. Patrick’s Day Crystal Punch Bowl

Artifact ID1986.00251.01
Object Type Bowl, Punch
Maker (Irish manufacturer, active 1783-present)
Date 1986
Medium Glass (crystal)
DimensionsOverall: 12 x 13 x 13 in. (30.5 x 33 x 33 cm)
Physical DescriptionA clear crystal punch bowl with a scalloped edge design on a pedestal base. The punch bowl was designed by Waterford Crystal and is engraved with the text "ST. PATRICK'S DAY 1986."
Historical NoteOriginally filled with shamrocks, this Waterford crystal punch bowl etched 'St. Patrick’s Day 1986' is a prime example of the beautiful crystal Ireland is famous for. Presented to President Reagan by Garret FitzGerald, the Prime Minister of Ireland, in the White House Rose Garden on March 17, 1986, it is gift to the people of the United States from the people of Ireland. This bowl was the largest one given over the years, and so contained the most shamrock. FitzGerald said while handing it to President Reagan, "I also want to offer you a gift of a bowl of shamrock, which is genuine shamrock and which I think should be enough for you, your Cabinet, or your family -- anybody else around." FitzGerald also gave President Reagan a crystal Statue of Liberty.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Waterford Crystal
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.

Country/Culture
Related Links

Speech: Remarks Following Discussions With Prime Minister Garret FitzGerald of Ireland March 17, 1986

Photograph: Meeting with Garret FitzGerald, Prime Minister of Ireland, Ceremony to receive Shamrocks in a Waterford bowl in the Rose Garden 03/17/1986 c33848-03   c33849-01   c33850-01   c33853-01   c33854-01   c33855-01   c33856-02

Video: President Ronald Reagan meeting with Prime Minister Garret FitzGerald of Ireland and being presented with a Crystal Statue of Liberty and a Bowl of Shamrocks in the Rose Garden March 17, 1986  

Monday Minute: St. Patrick's Day

President Reagan's Diary entry for Monday, March 17, 1986