Ireland

Ireland

Capital: Dublin

Official Language: English and Irish

Population: 4 994 724 (2020, World Bank)

Government type: Parliamentary Republic

 

Bilateral Relations:

Portugal and Ireland enjoy a positive bilateral relationship on a political, economic, and cultural level. The 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was celebrated in 2022.

In addition to converging visions within the EU, the UN and most of the international bodies of which both are members, both countries value multilateralism within an international system based on shared rules and values, namely regarding democracy and the respect and promotion of human rights.

Bilaterally, there is a close cooperation at the political level. The agenda of meetings - face-to-face or virtual - has remained dynamic despite the constraints arising from the pandemic.

The commercial opportunities appearing from Brexit and the economic growth that Ireland has built over the last decades have led to a deepening of business contacts. Services are particularly important in this area, especially travel and tourism. The commercial component and that of attracting investment have also registered positive developments.

At the cultural level, and given the increased interest in learning Portuguese, priority has been given to the consolidation of Portuguese as a language of culture and exchange, within the scope of the Irish educational system.

Date of establishment of diplomatic relations: The establishment of diplomatic relations took place in 1942, with the opening of a Legation of Ireland in Lisbon.

Historical Note: During the medieval period, an increase in trade between Iberian and Irish ports was registered, as well as in the exchange of travellers. There are records of Irish students, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries, who attended Portuguese universities.

First diplomatic mission: On March 31st, 1951, the Chargée d’affaires Eduardo Brazão presented the Letter of Credence and took charge of the Portuguese Legation in Dublin

Portuguese diplomatic representation in Ireland: Embassy of Portugal in Dublin, and respective consular section. Ambassador Bernardo Fernandes Homem de Lucena was nominated on February 23rd, 2022, as Portugal’s Ambassador to Ireland, having presented his credentials on July 7th. Portugal has 1 Honorary Consulate in Ireland.

Portuguese honorary consulates in Ireland: 1 – George Richard Barter is Portugal’s Honorary Consul in Cork.

 

Consular Registrations 9 542
No. of CC holders with address registered in Ireland 7 323
Visas issued by the office (2020) 186
Consular presences (2020) 0
Nationals arrested (2020) 1
Portuguese associations 1
Financial aid granted to the associations (2020) 0                                                                                                     

  

Ireland’s diplomatic representation in Portugal: Embassy of Ireland in Lisbon. Ambassador Ralph Victory presented his credentials on September 17th, 2019, as Ireland’s Ambassador to Portugal.

Irish community in Portugal                    The Irish community residing in Portugal is made up of 2 630 people.         

 

Bilateral Agreements (text in Portuguese):

 

Official and State Visits

  • Between June 20th and 23rd, 1991, the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, carried out an official visit to Portugal.
  • Between June 1st and 4th, 1993, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Mário Soares, carried out an official visit to Ireland.
  • Between May 31st and June 2nd, 1999, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio, carried out a State Visit to Ireland.
  • Between November 3rd and 6th, 2002, the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, carried out a State Visit to Portugal.
  • On February 6th, 2003, the Prime-Minister of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, carried out a visit to Portugal, where he was received in audience by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio, at the Belém Palace.
  • On January 12th, 2004, the President of the Parliament of Ireland, Rory O’Hanlon carried out a visit to Portugal, where he was received in audience by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio, at the Belém Palace.
  • Between February 22nd and 24th, 2004, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio carried out a visit to Ireland, due to the International Conference on HIV/AIDS "Breaking the Barriers - Partnership to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia".
  • On December 9th and 10th, 2015, the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, carried out a State Visit to Portugal.

 

Economic Relations

 

Cultural Relations

 

Travel Advice

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