German & Irish Relations

Ireland-Germany relations run deep and wide across many areas of activity.

Ireland and Germany have long enjoyed excellent relations, politically, culturally and economically. These relations have been documented as far back as the 7th century, the time of Irish monk Kilian in Würzburg.

Over the last number of years we have seen our relationship deepen and intensify as we worked together to move Europe forward. The opening of the Consulate General in Frankfurt in 2019 is a clear sign of Ireland’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Germany.

We are determined to build on this and to further enhance our ties in the period ahead. In doing this, we are building on solid ground and are already seeing signs of increased trade, employment and tourism.

The Irish Community living and working in Germany continues to grow and includes business people, students on university exchanges and Irish people who have simply decided to call Germany home. Their vibrant and unique contribution in the business and cultural spheres can be seen regularly at the events held by the many German-Irish societies, associations and clubs across the country.

There is also considerable German interest in our country and its culture. Indeed, Germans have long had an affinity for Ireland and there is a strong cultural interest in Irish literature, music and dance. This has been documented by writers including Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau in the 19th Century and Heinrich Böll in the 20th.

There are also considerable historical links between Ireland and the states of Hesse, Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland. These range from Richard Cassel – the architect of Leinster House, who was born in Kassel – to the settlers from the Palatinate who arrived in Ireland in the 18th Century and continue to celebrate their Palatine heritage to this day.