Foreign relations of Ireland


The foreign relations of Ireland are substantially influenced by its membership of the European Union, although bilateral relations with the United States and United Kingdom are also important to the state. It is one of the group of smaller nations in the EU, and has traditionally followed a non-aligned foreign policy. Ireland has historically tended towards independence in foreign military policy, thus it is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and has a longstanding policy of military neutrality. According to the Irish Defence Forces, the neutrality policy has helped them to be successful in their contributions to United Nations peace-keeping missions since 1960 and subsequently in Cyprus, Lebanon and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Main relationships

China

Ireland's official relationship with the People's Republic of China began on 22 June 1979. Following his visit to China in 1999, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern authorised the establishment of an Asia Strategy. The aim of this Strategy was to ensure that the Irish Government and Irish enterprise work coherently to enhance the important relationships between Ireland and Asia. In recent years due to the rapid expansion of the Chinese economy, China is becoming a key trade partner of Ireland, with over $6bn worth of bilateral trade between the two countries in 2010. In July 2013, the Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade were invited to China by the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on a trade mission to boost both investment and political ties between the two countries.
Ireland has raised its concerns in the area of human rights with China on a number of occasions. On 12 May 2007, during a visit to Beijing, former Taoiseach Brian Cowen discussed human rights issues with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. Former Tánaiste Mary Coughlan also raised human rights issues and concerns with visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan. Ireland also participates in the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue.
Concerning the Taiwan issue, Ireland follows a One-China policy. In 2007, the former Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern summarised the Irish position as follows:
The former Minister's emphasis on the One China policy and to the Taiwan issue being best settled through dialogue "between the parties concerned" was consistent with Beijing's wish that the Taiwan issue be regarded as a domestic one between Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
In July 2019, the UN ambassadors from 22 nations, including Ireland, signed a joint letter to the UNHRC condemning China's mistreatment of the Uyghurs as well as its mistreatment of other minority groups, urging the Chinese government to close the Xinjiang re-education camps.

United Kingdom

Since at least the 1600s Ireland has had political connections with the United Kingdom, with the whole island becoming a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1801 to 1922. From the time of Ireland declaring itself independent from the United Kingdom in 1937, the two countries have been involved in a dispute over the status of Northern Ireland. Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Ireland formerly claimed Northern Ireland as a part of the "national territory", though in practice the Irish government did recognise the UK's jurisdiction over the region.

From the onset of the Troubles in 1969, the two governments sought to bring the violence to an end. The Sunningdale Agreement of 1973 and the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 were important steps in this process. In 1998, both states signed the Good Friday Agreement and now co-operate closely to find a solution to the region's problems. Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Ireland were amended as part of this agreement, the territorial claim being replaced with a statement of aspiration to unite the people of the island of Ireland. As part of the Good Friday Agreement, the states also ended their dispute over their respective names: Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Each agreed to accept and use the others' correct name.
When the Troubles were raging in Northern Ireland, the Irish Government sought, with mixed success, to prevent the import of weapons and ammunition through its territory by illegal paramilitary organisations for use in their conflict with the security forces in Northern Ireland. In 1973 three ships of the Irish Naval Service intercepted a ship carrying weapons from Libya which were probably destined for Irish Republican paramilitaries. Law enforcement acts such as these additionally improved relations with the government of the United Kingdom. However, the independent judiciary blocked a number of attempts to extradite suspects between 1970 and 1998 on the basis that their crime might have been 'political' and thus contrary to international law at the time.
Ireland is one of the parties to the Rockall continental shelf dispute that also involves Denmark, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. Ireland and the United Kingdom have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area. However, neither have concluded similar agreements with Iceland or Denmark and the matter remains under negotiation. Iceland now claims a substantial area of the continental shelf to the west of Ireland, to a point 49°48'N 19°00'W, which is further south than Ireland.
The controversial Sellafield nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in north-western England has also been a contentious issue between the two governments. The Irish government has sought the closure of the plant, taking a case against the UK government under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, the European Court of Justice found that the case should have been dealt with under EU law. In 2006, however, both countries came to a friendly agreement which enabled both the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and the Garda Síochána access to the site to conduct investigations.

United States

The United States recognised the Irish Free State on 28 June 1924 with diplomatic relations being established on 7 October 1924. In 1927, the United States opened an American Legation in Dublin. Due to the ancestral ties between the two countries, Ireland and the US have a strong relationship, both politically and economically, with the US being Ireland's biggest trading partner since 2000. Ireland also receives more foreign direct investment from the US than many larger nations, with investments in Ireland equal to France and Germany combined and, in 2012, more than all of developing Asia put together.
The use of Shannon Airport as a stop-over point for US forces en route to Iraq has caused domestic controversy in Ireland. Opponents of this policy brought an unsuccessful High Court case against the government in 2003, arguing that this use of Irish airspace violated Irish neutrality. Restrictions such as carrying no arms, ammunition, or explosives, and that the flights in question did not form part of military exercises or operations were put in place to defend Irish neutrality, however allegations have been made against the Central Intelligence Agency that the airport has been used between 30 and 50 times for illegal extraordinary rendition flights to the U.S without the knowledge of the Irish Government, despite diplomatic assurances by the US that Irish airspace would not be used for transport of detainees.
In July 2006, the former Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern voiced concern over the 2006 Lebanon War. A shipment of bombs being sent to Israel by the United States was banned using Irish airspace or airfields.
In 1995 a decision was made by the U.S. government to appoint a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland to help with the Northern Ireland peace process. During the 2008 presidential campaign in the United States, however, Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama was reported as having questioned the necessity to keep a US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. His remarks caused uproar within the Republican Party, with Senator John McCain questioning his leadership abilities and his commitment to the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland.
, Daniel Mulhall is the Irish ambassador to the United States while the position of U.S. ambassador to Ireland is held by Edward F. Crawford.

Africa

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Algeria
  • Ireland is represented in Algeria through its embassy in Bern.
  • Algeria is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • There are 1,047 Algerians living in Ireland.
Angola
  • Ireland is represented in Angola through its embassy in Maputo.
  • Angola is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • Between 2006 and 2010 Angola received almost €7.6 million from the government of Ireland through Irish Aid.
    • BeninN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Benin.
    Botswana
  • Ireland is represented in Botswana through its embassy in Maputo and an honorary consulate in Gaborone.
  • Botswana is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Virginia, Co. Cavan.
    • Burkina Faso
  • Although diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Burkina Faso consularly through its embassy in Abuja.
    • Burundi2004
  • Ireland is represented in Burundi through its embassy in Dar es Salaam.
  • Ireland has given Burundi €6.35m in development aid since 2007. Irish Aid also disbursed over €3 million to Burundi since 2007, mainly through partners such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF.
    • Cameroon2007
  • Ireland is represented in Cameroon through its embassy in Abuja.
  • Cameroon is represented in Ireland through an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Cape VerdeN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Cape Verde.
    Central African Republic2018Ireland and the Central African Republic established diplomatic relations on 26 June 2018.
    Chad
  • Ireland is represented in Chad through its embassy in Abuja.
  • Ireland sent 450 troops to Chad in 2007 as part of the EU led peacekeeping mission European Union Force Chad/CAR. This was the second highest number after France. An Irish Defence Forces general, Lieutenant General Pat Nash, was the commanding officer of the mission.
    • ComorosN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Comoros.
    Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Ireland is represented in the Democratic Republic of Congo through its embassy in Pretoria.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo received €7.4 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
  • There are 1,770 citizens from between both the Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo living in Ireland. The exact number from each is uncertain due to the fact Congo with no distinction was used solely in census reports.
    • Republic of the Congo
  • Ireland is represented in the Republic of Congo through its permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.
  • There are 1,770 citizens from between both the Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo living in Ireland. The exact number from each is uncertain due to the fact Congo with no distinction was used solely in census reports.
    • Djibouti
  • Although diplomatic relations with Djibouti are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Djibouti consularly through its embassy in Addis Ababa.
    • Egypt1975
  • Ireland has an embassy in Cairo and an honorary consulate in Alexandria.
  • Egypt has an embassy in Dublin, the first embassy of an Arab country in Ireland.
  • There are 1,055 Egyptians living in Ireland.
    • Equatorial GuineaN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Equatorial Guinea.
    Eritrea2002
  • Ireland is represented in Eritrea through its embassy in Dar es Salaam.
  • Eritrea is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • EswatiniN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Eswatini.
    Ethiopia1994See Ethiopia–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Addis Ababa.
  • Ethiopia has an embassy in Dublin.
  • In 2011, Ethiopia received €36.4 million in aid from Ireland.
  • In November 2014 the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins visited Ethiopia on a state visit to celebrate 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During this visit a bilateral transport agreement was signed which paved the way for Ethiopian Airlines to commence direct flights to Dublin from Addis Ababa, the first between Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa.
    • Gabon
  • Gabon is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Gambia
  • Although diplomatic relations with the Gambia are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in the Gambia consularly through its embassy in Abuja.
  • The Gambia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Ghana
  • Ireland is represented in Ghana through its embassy in Abuja. Ireland also maintains a visa applications centre in Accra.
  • Ghana is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • There are 1,158 Ghanaians living in Ireland.
    • Guinea
  • Ireland is represented in Guinea through its embassy in Abuja.
  • Guinea is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Guinea Bissau
  • Although diplomatic relations with the Guinea Bissau are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Guinea Bissau consularly through its embassy in Abuja.
    • Ivory Coast
  • Although diplomatic relations with the Ivory Coast are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in the Ivory Coast consularly through its embassy in Abuja.
  • The Ivory Coast is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Kenya1979
  • Ireland has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Kenya received €9.3 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
  • There are approximately 2,000 Irish citizens living in Kenya.
    • Lesotho1975
  • Ireland is represented in Lesotho through its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa after closing its embassy in Maseru in 2014.
  • Lesotho has an embassy in Dublin.
  • In June 2006 the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese made a state visit to the country.
  • Lesotho received €11.3 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    • Liberia2004
  • Ireland is represented in Liberia through its embassy in Freetown. The Irish governmental agency in charge of aid, Irish Aid, has an office in Monrovia.
  • Liberia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • Liberia received €7.5 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
  • Between 2003 and 2007, as part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, Ireland deployed a quick reaction force of 430 troops to assist with peacekeeping.
    • Libya1977
  • Ireland is represented in Libya through its embassy in Rome.
  • Libya is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Under Muammar Gaddafi, the prime governor of Libya from 1969 to 2011, relations between both countries were strained due to Gaddaffi's support of the Irish Republican Army. Gaddafi was sympathetic to their cause and also wanted revenge for the US Air Force's bombing attacks on Tripoli and Benghazi in 1986. Between 1984 and 1987 Libya sent the IRA about 1,000 AK47 assault rifles and six tonnes of Semtex explosive alongside other weapons. This shipment ensured The Troubles could continue for many more years, mainly until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 ended the conflict.
    MadagascarN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Madagascar.
    Malawi2002
    • Ireland has an embassy in Lilongwe and an honorary consulate in Blantyre.
    • Malawi has an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Malawi received €17.5 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    • In 2014 the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, made a state visit to Malawi.
    MaliN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Mali.
    MauritaniaN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Mauritania.
    MauritiusAugust 2000
  • Ireland is represented in Mauritius through its embassy in Pretoria,.
  • Mauritius is represented in Ireland through its high commission in London.
  • There are 2,844 citizens of Mauritius living in Ireland.
    • Following the murder of Irish tourist Michaela McAreavey on the island in January 2011, several Irish businesses proposed a boycott of the island due to the questionable trial in which all 3 suspects were acquitted. Another source of discontent was the investigation by the Mauritian authorities. The Major Crime Investigation Team, who were in charge, admitted they failed to interview fellow guests at the hotel who were staying close to the room in which the murder occurred. They also failed to preserve the crime scene and did not provide any solid DNA evidence against the accused. As a result, the Irish ambassador to Mauritius conveyed in person to the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, a formal government to government protest over what happened.
    Morocco1975
    • Ireland is represented in Morocco through its embassy in Lisbon and honorary consulates in Agadir and Casablanca.
    • Morocco has an embassy in Dublin.
    In November 2012 Morocco recalled its ambassador to Ireland temporarily due to the fact the leader of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, met with top Irish officials, including the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, a disputed territory that Morocco also claims to own.
    Mozambique1996
    • Ireland has an embassy in Maputo.
    • Mozambique is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Mozambique received €42.2 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    Namibia1994
  • Ireland is represented in Namibia through its embassy in Pretoria.
  • Namibia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Following Namibia's Independence from South Africa in 1990, Ireland sent 50 Garda officers as well as 20 military observers to the country as part of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group. This group as sent to monitor the peace process and elections taking place there at the time.
    Niger
    • Although diplomatic relations with Niger are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Niger consularly through its embassy in Abuja.
    Nigeria
  • Ireland is represented in Nigeria through its embassy in Abuja, Ireland's first on the African continent, and an honorary consulate in Lagos.
  • Nigeria is represented in Ireland through its embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 17,642 Nigerians living in Ireland.
  • See Also: Nigerians in Ireland
    • Rwanda
  • Ireland is represented in Rwanda through its embassy in Kampala.
  • Rwanda is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • São Tomé & PríncipeN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe.
    Senegal
  • Ireland is represented in Senegal through its embassy in Abuja.
  • Senegal is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Seychelles1999
  • Although diplomatic relations with the Seychelles are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in the Seychelles consularly through its embassy in Dar es Salaam.
  • The Seychelles have an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Sierra Leone
  • Ireland has an embassy in Freetown since 2014.
  • Sierra Leone is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Muine Bheag in Co. Carlow.
  • Sierra Leone received €9.1 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
  • Between 2005 and 2014 Ireland provided over €88 million in assistance to projects in Sierra Leone.
    • Somalia
  • Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with the Federal Government of Somalia through its embassy in Nairobi.
  • In 1993 as part of the United Nations led Operation in Somalia II peace-enforcing mission, 100 Irish troops forming a transport company were deployed to Somalia.
  • There are 1,047 Somalis living in Ireland.
    • South Africa1993
  • Ireland opened an embassy in Pretoria in 1994. Ireland also has an honorary consulate in Cape Town.
  • The South African Embassy in Dublin was opened in 1995.
  • There are 4,872 South Africans living in Ireland.
  • Ireland gave just over €6.1 million in aid to South Africa in 2011.
    • A principled stand against apartheid by Ireland came to prevent the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. As a result, Ireland was the only EU country that did not have full diplomatic relations with South Africa until 1993, when an exchange of ambassadors was agreed with the De Klerk administration in anticipation of the ending of apartheid.
    South SudanN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with South Sudan.
    Sudan1984
    • Ireland is represented in Sudan through its embassy in Cairo and an honorary consulate in Khartoum.
    • Sudan has an embassy in Dublin.
    • Sudan received €9.6 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    • There are 1,470 Sudanese living in Ireland.
    Tanzania1979
  • Ireland has an embassy in Dar es Salaam.
  • Tanzania is represented in Ireland through its high commission in London.
  • Tanzania received €35.4 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    • Togo2018Ireland and Togo established diplomatic relations on 27 June 2018.
    Tunisia
  • Ireland is represented in Tunisia through its embassy in Madrid and an honorary consulate in Tunis.
  • Tunisia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Uganda1994
  • Ireland has an embassy in Kampala.
  • Uganda is represented in Ireland through its high commission in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • In 2011 Uganda received €42.7 million from Ireland through a variety of aid programmes.
  • Irish people are one of the few citizens that do not need a visa to travel to Uganda.
    • It was found in November 2012 that €4 million worth of Irish foreign aid was misappropriated by senior officials of the country. Instead of going towards aiding the development of the country, this money was redirected into the personal account of the prime minister of Uganda. The Irish government then halted all aid payments towards Uganda until the money was recouped, which eventually occurred in January 2013.
    Zambia1965See Ireland–Zambia relations
    • Ireland has an embassy in Lusaka.
    • Zambia is represented in Ireland through its High Commission in London.
    • Zambia benefits greatly from Irish Aid programs, in 2010 the country received €20.58 million in total from the country.
    Zimbabwe1984
  • Ireland is represented in Zimbabwe through an honorary consulate in Harare.
  • Zimbabwe is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • Zimbabwe received €7.6 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
  • There are 1,537 Zimbabweans living in Ireland.

    • Americas

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
    Antigua and Barbuda2000
    • Although diplomatic relations with Antigua and Barbuda are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Antigua and Barbuda consularly through its embassy in Washington, D.C..
    Argentina1947See Argentina-Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Buenos Aires.
  • Argentina has an embassy in Dublin.
  • In 2012 the Irish president Michael D. Higgins became the third Irish President in succession to visit Argentina on a state visit.
  • In March 2008, a new visa programme between the two countries allowing young people from each country to work in the other for up to 9 months was announced.
  • See Also: Irish Argentine
    • Bahamas2007
  • Ireland is represented in The Bahamas through its embassy in Ottawa and an honorary consulate in Nassau.
  • The Bahamas are represented in Ireland through their High Commission in London,.
    • Barbados2001
  • Although diplomatic relations with Barbados are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Barbados consularly through its embassy in Washington, D.C..
  • Barbados is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London, and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Belize
  • Although diplomatic relations with Belize are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Belize consularly through its embassy in Mexico City.
  • Belize is represented in Ireland through an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Bolivia
  • Ireland is represented in Bolivia through its embassy in Buenos Aires, and an honorary consulate in La Paz, Bolivia.
  • Bolivia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London,.
  • In November 2015 the President of Bolivia Evo Morales made a state visit to Ireland, a first such visit between the two countries.
    • Brazil1975See Brazil–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Brasília and an honorary consulate in São Paulo.
  • Brazil has an embassy in Dublin and an honorary consulate in Cork.
  • There are 8,704 Brazilians living in Ireland.
  • Ireland is the fourth most popular country in the world for Brazilian students studying abroad.
  • See also: Irish Brazilian
    • Canada1929See Canada–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Ottawa and honorary consulates in Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta, Vancouver in British Columbia, St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador, Halifax in Nova Scotia and Montreal in Quebec.
  • Canada is represented in Ireland through its embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 2,384 Canadian citizens residing in Ireland.
  • Canada and Ireland enjoy friendly relations, the importance of these relations centres on the history of Irish migration to Canada. Approximately 4 million Canadians have Irish ancestors, or approximately 14% of Canada's population.
    • Chile1992See also: Chile–Ireland relations
  • Chile has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Ireland has an embassy in Santiago.
  • A special visa program allowing young people from both countries to work in the other country for up to a year was announced in 2016.
  • See also: Irish Chilean
    • Colombia1999See Colombia–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Bogotá.
  • Colombia has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Colombia received over €1 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    • Costa Rica
  • Ireland is accredited to Costa Rica through its embassy in Mexico City, Mexico.
  • Costa Rica is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • In 2013 the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins made a state visit to Costa Rica.
    • Cuba1999
  • Ireland is accredited to Cuba through its embassy in Mexico City, Mexico.
  • Cuba has an embassy in Dublin.
  • A large number of Irish people migrated to Cuba in the 19th century.
  • The Irish Republican political party, Sinn Féin is also known to have close political links to the Cuban government. In 2015 Sinn Féin party leader, Gerry Adams made an official visit to the country.
    • Dominica
  • Although diplomatic relations with Dominica are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Dominica consularly through its embassy in Washington, D.C.,.
    • Dominican Republic2009
  • Ireland is represented in the Dominican Republic through its embassy in Washington, D.C..
  • The Dominican Republic is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London, United Kingdom.
    • Ecuador1999
  • Ireland is represented in Ecuador through its embassy in Buenos Aires, and an honorary consulate in Quito.
  • Ecuador is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London, and has an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • El Salvador2000
  • Ireland is accredited to El Salvador through its embassy in Mexico City, Mexico, and has an honorary consulate in San Salvador.
  • El Salvador is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London,.
  • In 2013 the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins made a state visit to El Salvador.
  • El Salvador received over €1 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    • GrenadaN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Grenada.
    Guatemala
  • Ireland is accredited to Guatemala through its embassy in Mexico City, Mexico and through its honorary consulate in Guatemala City.
  • Guatemala is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London, United Kingdom.
    • Guyana
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 February 2000.
  • Ireland has an honorary consulate in Georgetown, Guyana.
  • Guyana is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London, United Kingdom.
    • Haiti
  • Ireland is represented in Haiti through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,.
  • In 2014 Haiti received €2.1m from Ireland in development aid.
  • Following the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, Ireland donated €37.3m to the country in response through governmental bodies such as Irish Aid and through donations to NGO'S from the public.
    • Honduras
  • Although diplomatic relations with Honduras are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Honduras consularly through its embassy in Mexico City.
  • Honduras is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Jamaica1997
  • Ireland is represented in Jamaica through its embassy in Ottawa,.
  • Jamaica is represented in Ireland through an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • See also: Irish people in Jamaica
    • Mexico1975See Ireland–Mexico relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Cancún
  • Mexico has an embassy in Dublin and four honorary consulates.
  • Many Mexicans have Irish ancestors due to the Irish migration to Mexico.
  • In 2013 the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins visited Mexico on an official state visit.
    • Nicaragua
  • Ireland is accredited to Nicaragua through its embassy in Mexico City Mexico.
  • Nicaragua is represented in Ireland through its embassy in Helsinki and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Panama
  • Although diplomatic relations with Panama are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Panama consularly through its embassy in Mexico City and through an honorary consulate in Panama City.
    • Paraguay
  • Ireland is represented in Paraguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires.
  • Paraguay is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Peru
  • Ireland is accredited to Peru from its embassy in Santiago, Chile and maintains an honorary consulate in Lima.
  • Peru has an embassy in Dublin.
    • Saint Kitts & NevisN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Saint Kitts and Nevis.
    Saint Lucia
  • Although diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Saint Lucia consularly through its embassy in Washington, D.C..
    • Saint Vincent & the Grenadines2015
  • Ireland is represented in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through its embassy in Washington, D.C..
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are represented in Ireland through its High Commission in London.
    • SurinameN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Suriname.
    Trinidad and Tobago
  • Ireland is represented in Trinidad & Tobago through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and an honorary consulate in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
  • Trinidad & Tobago is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London, United Kingdom.
    • United States1924See [|above] and Ireland–United States relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Washington, D.C. and consulate generals in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York and San Francisco and honorary consulates in Los Angeles, Denver, Orlando, Honolulu, New Orleans, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Houston and Seattle. Ireland also maintains a permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.
  • The United States is represented in Ireland through its embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 153,248 Irish citizens residing in the United States.
  • There are 11,015 US citizens living in Ireland.
  • 39.6 million US citizens claim Irish heritage, including 5 million who say they are of Scots-Irish heritage.
    • Uruguay1996
  • Approximately 120,000 Uruguayans have Irish ancestors.
  • Ireland is represented in Uruguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires.
  • Uruguay is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • See Also: Irish Uruguayan
    • Venezuela1980
  • Ireland is accredited to Venezuela through its embassy in Mexico City.
  • Venezuela is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.

    • Asia

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
    Afghanistan
    • Ireland is represented in Afghanistan through its embassy in Abu Dhabi.
    • Ireland gave €6.5 million in aid to Afghanistan in 2011.
    Armenia1996
  • Ireland recognised Armenia's independence in December 1991.
  • Armenia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • Ireland is represented in Armenia through its embassy in Sofia and through an honorary consulate in Yerevan.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • Azerbaijan1996
  • Ireland is represented in Azerbaijan through its embassy in Ankara.
  • Azerbaijan is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Bahrain1974
  • Ireland is represented in Bahrain through its embassy in Riyadh and an honorary consulate in Manama.
  • Bahrain is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Bangladesh
  • Ireland is represented in Bangladesh through its embassy in New Delhi.
  • Bangladesh is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • There are 2,319 Bangladeshis living in Ireland.
    • BhutanN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Bhutan.
    Brunei Darussalam
  • Ireland is represented in Brunei Darussalam through its embassy in Hanoi.
  • Brunei Darussalam is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Cambodia
  • Ireland is represented in Cambodia through its embassy in Singapore.
  • Cambodia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • China1979See above and China–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Beijing, a general consulate in Shanghai and an honorary consulate in Hong Kong.
  • China has an embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 10,896 Chinese people living in Ireland.
    • Georgia1996
  • Ireland is represented in Georgia through its embassy in Sofia.
  • Georgia has an embassy in Dublin.
    • Ireland supports EU initiatives to promote peace between Georgia and Russia. Ireland recognises Georgian sovereignty over the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Ireland condemned the decision of Russia to recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states. The separatist Parliament of Abkhazia expressly called on Ireland to recognise Abkhaz independence, drawing parallels between Ireland's own historic struggle for independence and international recognition with its own, the Abkhaz Parliament's statement recalling that:
    "Just like Ireland, Abkhazia has finally acquired long-awaited independence and recognition at the cost of enormous efforts... was de facto independent for a long time, but remained unrecognised. Ireland was the only unrecognised country in Europe until the world's largest country recognised a free parliament of Ireland. And that country was Russia".
    The parallel the Abkhaz Parliament referred to stems from the fact that the breakaway and largely unrecognised Irish Republic, enjoyed some form of recognition from the RSFSR.
    India1947See India–Ireland relations
    Indonesia1984
  • Ireland has an embassy in Jakarta.
  • Indonesia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Iran
  • Ireland is represented in Iran through its embassy in Ankara and an honorary consulate in Tehran. The Irish embassy in Iran was closed in 2012 for cost reasons.
  • Iran has an embassy in Dublin.
  • After the conclusion of the Iran–Iraq War in 1988, Ireland sent 177 personnel to supervise the ceasefire as part of the United Nations led UNIIMOG.
    • Iraq
  • Ireland is represented in Iraq through its embassy in Riyadh.
  • Iraq is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • There are 1,081 Iraqis living in Ireland.
  • After the conclusion of the Iran–Iraq War in 1988, Ireland sent 177 personnel to supervise the ceasefire as part of the United Nations led UNIIMOG.
    • Israel1975See Ireland–Israel relations
  • Since 25 January 1996, Ireland has an embassy in Tel Aviv.
  • Israel has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean
    • In 2010, the Israel Defense Forces forcibly boarded an Irish aid ship destined for the Gaza Strip which resulted in worsened relations, Israel's Mossad was also involved in the counterfeiting of five Irish passports used in an assassination, and 2 members of the Israeli ambassador's security staff in Dublin were subsequently deported. In 2010, there were numerous protests at the Israeli embassy in Ireland over the treatment of Palestinians.
    JapanMarch 1957See Ireland–Japan relations
    • Starting in 1973, Ireland has an embassy in Tokyo and an honorary consulate in Osaka.
    • Since 1964, Japan has an embassy in Dublin.
    • The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland was marked during 2017.
    • Both countries are full members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
    Jordan
  • Ireland is represented in Jordan through its embassy in Cairo and an honorary consulate in Amman.
  • Jordan is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • In February 2016 the King of Jordan, Abdullah II of Jordan, made a state visit to Ireland.
    • Kuwait
  • Ireland is represented in Kuwait through its embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • Kuwait is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Kyrgyzstan
  • Ireland is represented in Kyrgyzstan through its embassy in Moscow.
    • Laos
  • Ireland is represented in Laos through its embassy in Hanoi.
  • Laos is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Lebanon
  • Ireland is represented in Lebanon through its embassy in Cairo and an honorary consulate in Beirut.
  • Lebanon is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • From 1978 to 2001, a battalion of 580 Irish troops was deployed in Lebanon, rotating every 6 months, as part of the United Nations led force UNIFIL. In all, 30,000 Irish soldiers served in Lebanon over the 23 years. Over the course of this mission 48 Irish soldiers died in Lebanon.
    Malaysia1974
    • Ireland has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
    • Malaysia has an embassy in Dublin.
    • There are 3,295 Malaysians living in Ireland.
    Maldives
  • Although diplomatic relations with Maldives are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Maldives consularly through its embassy in New Delhi.
    • Mongolia1998
  • Ireland is represented in Mongolia through its embassy in Beijing.
  • Mongolia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Delgany, Co. Wicklow.
    • Myanmar2004
  • Ireland is represented in Myanmar through its embassy in Hanoi.
  • Myanmar is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Nepal
  • Ireland is represented in Nepal through its embassy in New Delhi and an honorary consulate in Kathmandu.
  • Nepal is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • After the April 2015 Nepal earthquake the government of Ireland donated €1.5 million in humanitarian assistance.
    • North Korea2003
  • Ireland established diplomatic relations with North Korea in 2003.
  • Ireland is represented in North Korea through its embassy in Seoul.
  • North Korea is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Oman
  • Ireland is represented in Oman through its embassy in Riyadh and an honorary consulate in Muscat.
  • Oman is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • PakistanSee Ireland–Pakistan relations
  • Ireland is represented in Pakistan through its embassy in Riyadh and an honorary consulate in Karachi.
  • Pakistan has an embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 6,847 Pakistanis living in Ireland.
  • Pakistan received over €1.5 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    • Palestine
  • Ireland has a representative office in Ramallah.
  • The Palestinian Authority has a general delegation in Dublin, upgraded to mission status is 2011.
  • In 2011, Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore spoke at the United Nations in favour of Palestine's application for membership.
  • Palestine received €5.4 million in Irish aid in 2011.
    • 1986See Ireland–Philippines relations
  • Diplomatic relations officially began in 1986 and have become more intense over the years as increasing numbers of Filipinos have migrated to Ireland.
  • Ireland is represented in The Philippines through its embassy in Singapore and an honorary consulate in Manila.
  • The Philippines are represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • There are 12,791 Filipinos living in Ireland.
    • Qatar
  • Ireland is represented in Qatar through its embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • Qatar is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Saudi Arabia
  • Ireland has an embassy in Riyadh and an honorary consulate in Jeddah.
  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Dublin.
    • Singapore1974
  • Ireland is represented in Singapore through its embassy in Singapore.
  • Singapore is represented in Ireland through its honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • South Korea1983-10-04The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Ireland started on 4 October 1983.
  • See also Ireland–South Korea relations
  • * Irish embassy and an honorary consulate in Seoul.
  • * South Korean embassy in Dublin.
  • As of July 2009 the ambassador Ireland to South Korea was Eamonn McKee.
  • Ireland has a Working Holiday Program Agreement with the Republic of Korea It was at the first time an agreement of its kind of visa with a country of the Asia.
  • The Republic of Ireland and the Republic of Korea are full members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, WTO and the United Nations.
    • Sri Lanka
  • Ireland is represented in Sri Lanka through its embassy in New Delhi and an honorary consulate in Colombo.
  • Sri Lanka is represented in Ireland through an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Syria
  • Ireland is represented in Syria through its embassy in Cairo and an honorary consulate in Damascus.
  • Syria is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Tajikistan
  • Ireland is represented in Tajikistan through its embassy in Moscow.
    • Thailand
  • Ireland has an embassy in Bangkok.
  • Thailand is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • There are 1,381 Thai living in Ireland.
    • Timor Leste2003
  • Ireland is represented in Timor Leste through its embassy in Singapore.
  • Timor Leste has an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • Timor Leste received €3.4 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
  • Since 2003 Timor Leste is one of 9 priority countries receiving Irish Aid assistance.
    • Turkey1972See Ireland–Turkey relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Ankara and honorary consulates in Antalya, Istanbul and Izmir.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
  • There are 1,029 Turks living in Ireland.
  • In 2010, Irish President Mary McAleese paid a state visit to Turkey.
    • Turkmenistan
  • Ireland is represented in Turkmenistan through its embassy in Moscow.
    • United Arab Emirates1974
  • Ireland has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Dublin.
  • As the UAE is Ireland's second largest Asian market many Irish government organizations such as Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland have offices located in the country.
    • Uzbekistan
  • Ireland is represented in Uzbekistan through its embassy in Moscow.
  • Uzbekistan is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Vietnam1996
  • Ireland has an embassy in Hanoi.
  • Vietnam is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • Vietnamese prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung, visited Ireland in 2008.
  • Tánaiste Brian Cowen visited Vietnam in 2008.
  • Vietnam received over €12 million in aid from Ireland in 2011.
    • Yemen
  • Ireland is represented in Yemen through its embassy in Riyadh.

    • Europe

    Ireland is consistently the most pro-European of EU member states, with 77% of the population approving of EU membership according to a Eurobarometer poll in 2006. Ireland was a founding member of the euro single currency. In May 2004, Ireland was one of only three countries to open its borders to workers from the 10 new member states. EU issues important to Ireland include the Common Agricultural Policy, corporation tax harmonisation and the EU Constitution. The Irish electorate declined to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon in 2008. A second referendum in October 2009 passed the bill, allowing the treaty to be ratified before it was ratified legal guarantees on issues such as the right of Ireland to remain militarily neutral, the right of the state to maintain its low levels of corporation tax and that the treaty would not change the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland making abortion illegal. Ireland has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on seven occasions.
    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
    Albania1995
    • Ireland is represented in Albania through its embassy in Athens.
    • Albania is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
    • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    Andorra18 January 1995
  • Although Ireland is accredited to Andorra from its embassy in Madrid, all consular queries are with regard to Andorra are dealt with through Ireland's consulate-general in Barcelona.
  • Andorra does not have an accreditation to Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • Austria1951
  • Ireland has an embassy in Vienna.
  • Austria has an embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 720 Austrians living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • In 1986, the President of Ireland Patrick Hillery paid a state visit to Austria.
  • In July 2006, the President of Ireland Mary McAleese paid a state visit to Austria.
    • Belarus1992
  • Ireland is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Vilnius.
  • Belarus is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Belgium
  • Ireland has an embassy in Brussels and an honorary consulate in Antwerpen.
  • Belgium has an embassy in Dublin and three honorary consulates.
  • In 2007 King Albert II of Belgium paid a state visit to Ireland.
  • There are 1,071 Belgians living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina2003
  • Ireland is represented in Bosnia and Herzegovina through its embassy in Ljubljana.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • Since 1997 Ireland has contributed peacekeeping troops to Bosnia on a number of occasions including the NATO-led Stabilization Force and the EU led EUFOR Althea.
    • Bulgaria1990
  • Ireland has an embassy in Sofia.
  • Bulgaria has an embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 1,759 Bulgarians living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • Croatia1995See Croatia-Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy and honorary consulate in Zagreb.
  • Croatia has both an embassy and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • Cyprus1984See Cyprus-Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Dublin.
  • In 2005 the president of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, paid a state visit to Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • Since 1964, over 9,000 members of the Irish Defense Forces have served in Cyprus without suffering any casualties.
    • Czech Republic1929
  • Ireland has an embassy in Prague.
  • The Czech Republic has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are 5,451 Czechs living in Ireland.
    • Denmark1962See Denmark-Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Copenhagen.
  • Denmark has an embassy in Dublin and three honorary consulates.
  • There are 801 Danes living in Ireland.
    • Estonia1991
  • Ireland recognised Estonia on 27 August 1991.
  • Ireland has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Dublin and two honorary consulates.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are 2,560 Estonians living in Ireland.
    • Finland1961
  • Ireland has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Helsinki.
  • Finland has an embassy in Dublin and three honorary consulates.
  • There are 868 Finns living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • France1922See France–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Paris and three honorary consulates.
  • France has an embassy in Dublin and four honorary consulates.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • Both countries, throughout history, were very friendly with each other, and both fought against Great Britain cooperatively, especially during the 1798 Uprising.
  • There are approximately 9,749 French living in Ireland.
  • 60% of Irish secondary school students study the French language.
  • 20% of Irish residents are able to carry on a conversation in French.
    • Germany1922See Germany–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Berlin and four honorary consulates.
  • Germany has an embassy in Dublin and an honorary consulate in Galway.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • Germany is one of Ireland's biggest trading partners, ranking third in 2014 with an approximately eight per cent share of Ireland's total foreign trade.
  • There are approximately 11,305 Germans living in Ireland.
    • Greece1975See Greece–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Athens and three honorary consulates.
  • Greece has an embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 516 Greeks living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • In 2000, Greek President Konstantinos Stephanopoulos visited Dublin.
  • In 2002, Irish President Mary McAleese visited Athens.
  • In 2006, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Dora Bakoyannis visited Dublin.
    • Guernsey
  • Ireland has signed several tax treaties with the Guernsey. The treaties provide a mechanism for inter-governmental sharing of information about offshore assets, and avoidance of dual-taxation.
    • Holy See1929See Holy See – Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy to the Holy See.
  • The Holy See has an embassy in Dublin.
  • In November 2011 Ireland closed its embassy in the Vatican over the Irish Church's handling of sex abuse cases and accusations that the Vatican had encouraged secrecy and obstructed investigations into these matters. The embassy was reopened in January 2014, a sign of thawing relations between the two jurisdictions.
  • The majority of Irish people are Roman Catholic.
    • Hungary1976
  • Since 1996, Ireland has an embassy in Budapest.
  • Since 1991, Hungary has an embassy in Dublin and an honorary consulate in Cork.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are approximately 8,034 Hungarians living in Ireland.
    • Iceland11 March 1948See Iceland–Ireland relations
  • Ireland is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Copenhagen and through an honorary consulate in Garðabær.
  • Iceland is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and through an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • Italy1922
  • Ireland has an embassy in Rome and an honorary consulate in Milan.
  • Italy has an embassy in Dublin and two honorary consulates.
  • There are 7,656 Italians living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • Jersey
  • Ireland has signed several tax treaties with Jersey. The treaties provide a mechanism for inter-governmental sharing of information about offshore assets, and avoidance of dual-taxation.
    • Kazakhstan1992
  • Ireland is represented in Kazakhstan through its embassy in Moscow and an honorary consulate in Almaty,.
  • Kazakhstan is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Cork.
    • Kosovo2008See Ireland–Kosovo relations
  • Ireland is represented in Kosovo through its embassy in Budapest.
  • Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008 and Ireland recognised it on 29 February 2008.
  • On 6 December 2011, Kosovan Ambassador to the United Kingdom Muhamet Hamiti presented the credentials of Kosovan President Atifete Jahjaga to Irish President Michael D. Higgins; thus making Hamiti the non-resident ambassador to Ireland.
  • Ireland contributed 279 peacekeeping troops to the NATO led Kosovo Force, of which 12 personal are still active.
    • Latvia1991
  • Ireland recognised Latvia's independence on 27 August 1991.
  • Ireland has an embassy in Riga.
  • Latvia has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are approximately 20,593 Latvians living in Ireland.
    • Liechtenstein1992
  • Ireland is represented in Liechtenstein through its embassy in Bern.
  • Liechtenstein is represented in Ireland through the embassy of Switzerland in Dublin.
    • Lithuania1991
  • Ireland recognised Lithuania on 27 August 1991.
  • Ireland has an embassy in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Dublin and two honorary consulates in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan and Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are approximately 36,683 Lithuanians living in Ireland.
    • Luxembourg1925
  • Ireland has an embassy in Luxembourg City.
  • Luxembourg is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • Malta1990
  • Ireland has an embassy in Valletta.
  • Malta has an embassy in Dublin and two honorary consulates.
  • There are 180 Maltese living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • The Irish Defence Forces trains officer cadets of the Armed Forces of Malta
    • Isle of ManSee Ireland-Isle of Man relations
  • Ireland has signed several tax agreements with the Isle of Man. The agreements provide a mechanism for inter-governmental sharing of information about offshore assets, and avoidance of dual-taxation.
  • Ireland and the Isle of Man have collaborated on preparing reports and jointly opposing the Sellafield nuclear plant to the UK government.
    • Moldova1999
  • Ireland is represented in Moldova through its embassy in Bucharest.
  • Moldova is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
  • There are 2,881 Moldovans living in Ireland.
    • Monaco
  • Although Ireland has an honorary consulate in Monaco, Ireland is represented through its embassy in Paris.
  • Monaco has an honorary consulate in Dublin.
    • Montenegro2006
  • Ireland is represented in Montenegro through its embassy in Budapest.
  • Montenegro declared its independence from Serbia on 3 June 2006 and Ireland recognised it on 20 June 2006.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • Netherlands1922
  • Ireland has an embassy in The Hague.
  • The Netherlands has an embassy in Dublin and an honorary consulate in Cork
  • There are 4,313 Dutch people living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • North Macedonia1994
  • Ireland is represented in North Macedonia through its embassy in Bucharest.
  • North Macedonia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • Norway1949
  • Ireland has an embassy in Oslo.
  • Norway has an embassy in Dublin and an honorary consulate in Cork.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • Poland1976See Ireland–Poland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Warsaw and an honorary consulate in Poznan.
  • Poland has an embassy in Dublin and two honorary consulates.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are approximately 150,000 Poles living in Ireland, the largest minority in the country.
    • Portugal1942
  • Ireland has an embassy in Lisbon.
  • Portugal has an embassy in Dublin and an honorary consulate in Cork.
  • There are 2,739 Portuguese living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • Romania1990See Ireland–Romania relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Bucharest.
  • Romania has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are 17,304 Romanians living in Ireland.
    • Russia1973See Ireland–Russia relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Moscow. and an honorary consulate in St. Petersburg.
  • Russia has an embassy Dublin and two honorary consulates.
  • There are 3,896 Russians living in Ireland.
  • The Russian SFSR was the first country to recognise the independence of Ireland in 1918.
  • Cooperation between both countries has been more active since the end of the Cold War. Many bilateral treaties exist between both nations in various fields.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • San Marino1995
  • Ireland is represented in San Marino through its embassy in Rome.
  • San Marino has an honorary consulate in Limerick.
    • Serbia1977
  • Ireland is represented in Serbia through its embassy in Athens and an honorary consulate in Belgrade.
  • Serbia is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London and an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • Slovakia1993
  • Ireland has an embassy in Bratislava.
  • Slovakia has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are 10,801 Slovaks living in Ireland.
    • In 2010 Slovak airport security planted actual explosives in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers as part of a security exercise. As result of additional mistakes, the explosives were flown to Dublin, Ireland causing international controversy. Prime Minister Fico refused to dismiss the interior minister after the incident.
    Slovenia1991
    • Ireland has an embassy in Ljubljana.
    • Slovenia has had an embassy in Dublin.
    • There are 192 Slovenes living in Ireland.
    • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    Spain1924See Ireland–Spain relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Madrid and 10 honorary consulates.
  • Spain has an embassy in Dublin and five honorary consulates.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
  • There are 6,794 Spaniards living in Ireland.
  • Spain is the number one destination for Irish tourists worldwide, with over 1.3 million visitors from Ireland every year.
    • Sweden
  • Ireland has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden closed its embassy in Dublin in August 2010 and now has solely an honorary consulate in Dublin.
  • There are 1,713 Swedes living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
    • Switzerland1934
  • Ireland has an embassy in Bern and an honorary consulate in Zurich.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Dublin.
  • As of 2010 there are 1,449 Swiss people living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
    • Ukraine1992
  • Ireland recognised the Ukrainian state in 1991.
  • Ireland is represented through its embassy in Prague, and an honorary consulate in Kiev.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 3,343 Ukrainians living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
  • United KingdomSee [|Above] and Ireland–United Kingdom relations
  • Ireland has an embassy, a visa office and a passport office in London, and an honorary consulate in Edinburgh.
  • The United Kingdom has an embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 288,627 British people living in Ireland.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
  • Ireland was part of the United Kingdom until 1922.

  • Oceania

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
    AustraliaSee Australia–Ireland relations
    • Ireland has an embassy in Canberra, a consulate general in Sydney and an honorary consulate in Perth.
    • Australia has an embassy in Dublin.
    • There are 2,849 Australians living in Ireland.
    • About 20% of the Australian population have Irish ancestry, which often predates Irish Independence in 1922.
    Federated States of Micronesia2004
  • Diplomatic relations between both countries are maintained through both countries Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York,.
    • Fiji2002
  • Ireland is represented in Fiji through its embassy in Canberra.
  • Fiji is represented in Ireland through its High Commission in London.
    • Kiribati
  • Although diplomatic relations with Kiribati are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Kiribati consularly through its embassy in Canberra.
    • Marshall IslandsN/AIreland does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Marshall Islands.
    Nauru
  • Although diplomatic relations with Nauru are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Nauru consularly through its embassy in Canberra.
    • New ZealandSee Ireland–New Zealand relations
  • From 2018 Ireland will establish an embassy in New Zealand confirmed by the President of Ireland in October 2017 during his State visit to New Zealand. Respectively, New Zealand's Prime Minister announced they would also open an embassy in Dublin in the same year. Previously, New Zealand had been represented in Ireland via its High Commission in London, and Ireland in New Zealand via its Australian embassy in Canberra.
  • Ireland has an embassy in Wellington.
  • New Zealand has an embassy in Dublin.
  • There are 1,394 New Zealanders living in Ireland.
  • Around one in every six New Zealanders claims Irish descent.
  • Both countries are full members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
  • There is a community of people of Irish descent living in New Zealand.
    • Palau
  • Although diplomatic relations with Palau are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Palau consularly through its embassy in Canberra.
    • Papua New Guinea
  • Ireland is represented in Papua New Guinea through its embassy in Canberra.
    • Samoa
  • Although diplomatic relations with Somoa are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Somoa consularly through its embassy in Canberra.
    • Solomon Islands
  • Ireland is represented in the Solomon Islands through its embassy in Canberra.
    • Tonga2000Ireland and Tonga established diplomatic relations in 2000.
    Tuvalu
  • Although diplomatic relations with Tuvalu are maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Tuvalu consularly through its embassy in Canberra.
    • Vanuatu
  • Although diplomatic relations with Vanuatuare maintained through Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York,, Ireland is represented in Vanuatu consularly through its embassy in Canberra.

    • Overview

    As of 2008 Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with 173 states, and the European Union.
    Ireland has not yet established diplomatic relations with:
    The United Nations was founded in 1945, but Ireland's membership was blocked by the Soviet Union until 1955, "partly because of Dublin's neutrality" during the Second World War. Since 2017, the Irish ambassador to the UN Office at Geneva has been Michael Gaffey. Ireland has been elected to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member on three occasions — in 1962, in 1981–1982, in 2001–2002 and most recently in 2021-2022.
    Ireland is a member state of the International Criminal Court, having signed the Rome Statute in 1998 and ratified it in 2002.
    Irish Aid, the Government of Ireland's programme of assistance to developing countries financed the redesign of the UNV Online Volunteering service website in 2008 and supported its operations from 2007 to 2010, which led to a significant growth in the number of online volunteers and the tasks they completed.
    In 2017, Ireland signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

    Peacekeeping missions

    Ireland has a long history of participation in UN peacekeeping efforts starting in 1958, just three years after joining the UN., 90 members of the Irish Defence Forces had been killed on peacekeeping missions.
    List of major peacekeeping operations:
    As well as these missions, Irish personnel have served as observers in Central America, Russia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Namibia, Western Sahara, Kuwait and South Africa.

    Ireland and the Commonwealth of Nations

    Ireland was a member state of the British Commonwealth from 1922 until 1949, initially as a Dominion called the Irish Free State from 1922 until 1937, when Ireland adopted a new constitution and changed the name of the state to "Ireland". Although the King was removed from the Constitution in 1936, a republic was only formally declared from 18 April 1949. Under the rules at the time, a republic could not be a member state of the Commonwealth. This was changed a week later with the adoption of the London Declaration.
    Since 1998, some people in Ireland have advocated joining the Commonwealth of Nations, most notably Éamon Ó Cuív, Frank Feighan, and Mary Kenny.

    International organisations

    Ireland is a member of or otherwise participates in the following international organisations:

    Foreign aid

    Ireland's aid program was founded in 1974, and in 2017 its budget amounted to €651 million. The government had previously set a target of reaching the Millennium Development Goal of 0.7% of Gross National Product in aid by 2012, which was not met as aid was reduced as a result of the Irish financial crisis. Irish development aid is concentrated on eight priority countries: Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda, Vietnam and East Timor. In 2006, Malawi was announced as the ninth priority country, with a tenth country to follow.

    Human rights

    There have been no serious civil, human or social rights abuses/problems in the State, according to Amnesty International and the U.S. State Department. The country consistently comes among the top nations in terms of freedom and rights ratings.
    IndexRanking Result
    Freedom in the World – Political Rights1st 1
    Freedom in the World – Civil Liberties1st 1
    Index of Economic Freedom9th76.9
    Worldwide Press Freedom Index Ranking15th−4.00
    Global Peace Index6th 1.33
    Democracy Index12th8.79
    International Property Rights Index13th 7.9
    Corruption Perceptions Index16th 7.7
    Failed States Index170th 26.5