Ireland's relationship with Portugal

Ireland and Portugal formally adopted diplomatic relations in 1942, but we have a strong historic bond that stretches back centuries.

Irish relations with Portugal can be traced back to the mists of antiquity. Archaeological evidence from the Iron, Bronze and Megalithic periods charts the earliest contacts between the Iberian Peninsula and Ireland. Recent DNA analysis also suggests that the Portuguese-Iberian peoples were ancestors to the Gaelic Irish, dating from the last Ice Age.

Today, Ireland and Portugal work together for peace and prosperity – both through multilateral organisations like the United Nations and as member states of the European Union. We are like-minded Atlantic facing partners with a strong shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

Our two Governments work closely together on many issues, particularly in the EU context. We continue to work in solidarity with one another and with our fellow EU Member States to ensure a sustainable economic landscapein both countries and in the Union as a whole.

Economic relations

Merchants from the west of Ireland have been trading with their Portuguese counterparts since the 15th century, controlling the lucrative wine trade between Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula. Wine, silver, textiles, ceramics and leather were traded in return for Irish fish, beef, wool and timber.

Building on this historical connection, Ireland and Portugal have a very strong trade and investment relationship that continues to grow. Two-way trade between our two countries totals over €4 billion annually.

An increasing number of Irish and Portuguese entrepreneurs are realising the commercial opportunities available and are building new, exciting and innovative businesses together. The Ireland-Portugal Business Network is an independent organisation with more than 200 Member Companies that actively promotes business links between the two countries.

Cultural links

Even before a trade relationship was established, records indicate that Irish pilgrims have been travelling to Portugal since at least the 1200s, even transporting a relic of St. Brigid, which to this day is venerated in St John the Baptist Church in Lisbon.

In the 15th century, the Irish Dominican Sisters founded the Irish Dominican College in Belém. An enduring testament to the longevity of the Portuguese-Irish relationship continues to flourish in the suburb of Belém - the Convent and School of Our Lady of Bom Sucesso, which operates to this day.

Today, for well over 4000 Irish people, Portugal is the place that they call home, and for over 800,000 more annually, Portugal is the place they come to visit.

The Irish community in Portugal is vibrant and growing, spreading the best of Ireland through our language, music, dance and sport.

Rince Na Lisboa was the first Irish dancing academy established in Portugal in 2014 and there are Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branches in both Lisbon and Porto. Irish sports are also being played and watched by people throughout Portugal.

The local GAA club was set up in 2017 and continues to grow, playing in leagues across both Portugal and Spain.