Ireland in Spain
From ancient beginnings, the modern relationship between Ireland and Spain continues to go from strength to strength. Today, we enjoy a thriving relationship as near neighbours, friends and fellow members of the EU.
Spain is the go-to destination for Irish tourists, while Irish food and drink hold a special place in Spanish hearts. Our respective music, dance and folklore traditions share many similarities that reflect an enduring friendship and celebrate our cultural connections.
Legend has it that some of the earliest settlers in Ireland set sail over 2,000 years ago from northern Spain. Over the centuries, further links developed thanks to trade between Irish and Spanish fishing villages, Irish pilgrims following the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, and events like the shipwreck of the Spanish Armada off the west coast of Ireland and the Flight of the Earls from Ireland to Spain.
Growing connections
We celebrate our historic cultural connections and continue to make new ones. Thanks to a thriving Irish Studies network in Spanish universities, an annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in Madrid, a growing Gaelic football community bringing Ireland’s national sports to life in Spain, and countless visits and performances by Irish writers, artists, film-makers and musicians, our cultural links are stronger than ever.
Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Irish people, with over 2.5 million visits made each year. In turn, we welcome over 400,000 Spanish visitors to our shores annually, including over 35,000 young Spanish people who travel to Ireland for education and language learning.
These remarkable statistics underpin the friendship, familiarity and mutual appreciation that exist between the Irish and Spanish people.
2.5 million
tourists travel from Ireland to Spain annually
35,000
Spanish students study the English language in Ireland each year
€15 billion
in bilateral trade in goods and services per annum
Embassy of Ireland, Spain
The Embassy works to promote and protect Irish interests in Spain, strengthen political and economic relationships, support the Irish community and promote cultural ties and the Irish arts.
Our partners
The Embassy works closely with Irish State Agencies in Spain and at home, to promote trade, tourism and inward investment.
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets.
Bord Bia
The role of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is to act as a link between Irish food, drink and horticulture suppliers, and existing and potential customers throughout the world.
IDA Ireland
Promoting foreign direct investment into Ireland through a wide range of services.
Tourism Ireland
Marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and business tourism destination.