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  culminating in 2018 with the launch of the Ireland in Germany, A Wider And Deeper Footprint strategy paper. This strategy's recommendations are being implemented including the opening of a Consulate General in Frankfurt in 2019.

We are determined to continue building on this and to further develop our ties in the period ahead, especially in the post pandemic period.

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 19^th Century and Heinrich Böll in the 20^th.

Recognising the deep affinity for Ireland in Germany, Ireland's first ever Head Of Cultural Affairs Officer appointed to any Irish overseas mission, was appointed in Berlin in late 2020 and is already finding very fertile ground for building new cultural collaborations.