Ireland's relationship with the Czech Republic

The relationship between Ireland and the Czech Republic is one of close friendship going back centuries, as part of our shared Celtic heritage.

The historical links can be seen today in the centre of Prague on Hybernská street, named after the Irish Franciscan monks who established a monastery there in the 17th century. Czech-Irish links continue to develop today.

Cultural connections

There is a strong Irish presence in the Czech Republic, with around 1,000 Irish citizens estimated to be resident here. Over the years, Irish people have made their mark in the Czech Republic by setting up different organisations to bring together members of the Irish and diaspora community.

The Czech-Irish Business and Cultural Association, also known as CIBCA, was established in 1995 and has been a focal point for many Irish people in Prague since then. CIBCA regularly hosts networking and cultural events, as well as an annual gala for St. Patrick’s Day.

For those with an interest in history, the Wild Geese Society organises events focused on the historical links between Ireland and the Czech Republic. There is also a keen interest in Irish culture amongst Czechs, with many students taking the opportunity to study Irish language and literature at the Centre for Irish Studies at Charles University, as well as at other higher education institutions in the Czech Republic.

On the pitch, the Hibernians GAA Club continues to grow each year, with men and women’s teams in football as well as hurling and camogie . Further afield outside of Prague, the Píobairí Strakonice have been introducing GAA to new generations of Irish and Czechs.

Shared commitments

Ireland and the Czech Republic share a similar outlook across many key areas, including the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. We are both committed to multilateralism, and we continue to cooperate closely both bilaterally and especially through the framework of our shared membership of the European Union.

Trade links

The economic, trade and investment links between our two countries continue to grow, with two-way trade reaching over €4 billion annually.

The Irish Embassy works closely alongside State Agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia to support Irish companies engaging with the Czech market, and to further strengthen the economic relationship between Ireland and the Czech Republic.