To house NYU's Irish Studies program, numbers One and Two Washington Mews, previously private residences built in the 1930s, were converted into a single building and fully renovated in 1992.

Glucksman Ireland House opened April 26, 1993 with an academic procession led by New York University President L. Jay Oliva, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Lewis L. Glucksman, and Taoiseach of Ireland Albert Reynolds. Dignitaries in attendance included playwright Brian Friel, actress Maureen O'Hara, filmmaker Noel Pearson, actor Cyril Cusak, and flautist James Galway.