Ireland in Switzerland
Ireland and Switzerland share a centuries-long affinity as two small European nations with many common political viewpoints, shared cultural heritage, and a strong trade relationship.
Building better
Irish architect Alice Clarke on sustainable design in Switzerland
Irish Festival Fribourg
Irish author Clare O'Dea is putting Irish culture on the map in Switzerland
The 'Laika Party' in Basel
Celebrate with Ireland’s Eurovision Contestant, Emmy with her song 'Laika Party'
Changemaker: Stephen McGonigle
Learn more about independent watchmaker Stephen McGonigle and his journey in Switzerland
Our shared history dates to the 7th century when Irish monks first travelled to Switzerland. Their monasteries were centres of knowledge and hives of economic activity. In the centuries since, Irish people have continued to travel to Switzerland to trade, to do business, to share ideas and to create lasting connections with their Swiss counterparts.
Economic and people-to-people connections
There is an exceptionally strong, and growing, trade relationship between Ireland and Switzerland. Switzerland is one of Ireland’s most significant trade partners, with two-way trade in goods and services between our countries totaling €35 billion per annum.
There is an active Irish community in Switzerland, with about 6,000 Irish citizens registered with the Swiss authorities, and there are a number of Irish groups and organisations active across the country, including The Basel Irish Club, the Zurich James Joyce Foundation, and several active GAA clubs.
€35 billion
in two-way trade in goods and services annually
1939
established formal diplomatic relations between Ireland and Switzerland
15th
Switzerland is the 15th most important market for indigenous Irish exports
Embassy of Ireland, Switzerland
The Embassy works to promote and protect Irish interests in Switzerland, 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 Switzerland 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.
IDA Ireland
Promoting foreign direct investment into Ireland through a wide range of services.
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.
Tourism Ireland
Marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and business tourism destination.
Irish Business Network Switzerland
Established in 2008, IBN Switzerland is a growing Swiss-wide community of 1000+ professionals – Irish, Swiss and friends of Ireland – living and/or working in Switzerland.