“The Shamrock is the Best of Two Worlds” - Irish and U.S relations as embodied in the export commodity of the Shamrock car

This thesis analyses and assesses Ireland’s identity through of a case study of the Shamrock car, designed and manufactured in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan in 1959. It examines how a national identity was constructed through an external market in particular focusing on the 1950s and early 1960s. The relationship between Ireland and America is also a focal point of this thesis and will be reviewed extensively as well as both nations’ consumer societies during this period. The idea of national identity being promoted through commodities is explored in detail and is integral to our everyday lives. They are significant when assessing a countries national identity. The Shamrock is the perfect case study to cover these topics.