Ireland's relationship with Bulgaria

Situated at the most westerly and easterly geographical points of Europe, Ireland and Bulgaria share common values grounded in European Union membership, and have some unique ties from the distant past, as well as the present day.

Historical figures

Although Ireland and Bulgaria do not share extensive historical links, there are two Irish figures of note who have received recognition here and whose actions garnered a lasting legacy.

James Bourchier was an Irish journalist and diplomat who lived in Sofia from 1892-1915. A correspondent for The Times, he was an ardent advocate for Bulgaria’s independence and regional stability in the Balkans. His role in supporting Bulgaria during the Balkan Wars and his influence on European diplomacy earned him a lasting place in history here. One of the main boulevards and a metro station in Sofia are named after him, and he is buried near the iconic Rila Monastery.

Pierce O’Mahony is another notable figure who is known for his involvement in the political struggle for Bulgaria's independence at the beginning of the 20th century. He also gained recognition as a philanthropist, founding an orphanage that provided aid to many Bulgarian children. O’Mahony was among the few foreign advocates for Bulgaria during that time on the international political stage. His surname in inscribed beside a unique mural depicting Saint Patrick in the Orthodox Maglizh Monastery, which he commissioned during its restoration.

Economic and educational links

There are a number of Irish firms operating across a variety of sectors in Bulgaria including packaging, digital support, real estate and hospitality.

In recent years, a burgeoning ‘digital nomad’ community has appeared in Bulgaria, primarily in Sofia and Bansko, mainly centred around the FinTech sector, with Irish professionals seizing the opportunity to explore the country.

There is also a lively educational exchange between the two countries with 400 Irish medical students currently enrolled at universities across Bulgaria, in Sofia, Pleven, Varna, Vidin, and Vratsa.

Cultural connections

There are significant similarities between Irish and Bulgarian folklore, dance and music. These have been amplified by the a cultural cross-collaboration between Tigh na Coille, a traditional Irish group from County Clare, and the School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Laka. The Cunningham School of Irish Dance, Sofia was founded in 2019 and currently has forty Irish dancing students, mainly Bulgarian, while Balfolkaria promote Irish céilí dancing at regular events in Sofia and beyond.

There are two prominent traditional Irish / Bulgarian fusion music groups in the country; Sonas, based in Sofia, and Celtaura, in Bourgas. There have also been collaborations between the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra and Vratsa Symphony Orchestra.

Irish literature is highly regarded in Bulgaria and translations of a wide variety of publications can be found. The Veronica Guerin Commemorative Awards have been running since 2007 in memory of the Irish journalist, awarding Bulgarian journalists who have displayed excellence in investigative journalism in the field of illegal drugs.

‘Ireland Street’, in the town of Chepelare, was so-called in 2009 in honour of regular Irish skiing visitors. There are many other exchanges in the spheres of theatre, literature, design, visual art, and various genres of music and dance. Bulgaria welcomes visits of Irish writers, historians, musicians and others on a regular basis.