WELCOME!

Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Ireland in Austria.

The relationship between Ireland and Austria has deep roots in history.  We recall the rich texture of historical-cultural relations between Ireland and Austria and are proud of the contributions to education and development in Austria in medieval times made by Irish saints, such as Columbanus in Bregenz, Fergal (Virgil) in Salzburg, and Colman (Koloman), who is nowadays associated with the Benedictine Monastery in Melk in Lower Austria.  We also celebrate our ongoing links with the Schottenstift monastery in Vienna, founded by Irish monks (Scoti) in the twelfth century, which is still the location for celebration of St. Patrick’s Day each year on 17 March.  We recall too important later links with Austria, forged from the 17^th century when Irish political exiles, the ‘Wild Geese’, came to Austria and earned distinction for service at the highest levels in the armies and courts of the Habsburg Empire.

In recent times, relations between Ireland and Austria have been strengthened by our common membership of the European Union, and by the similar perspectives we share on many European and International issues.   The transformation of the Irish economy over the past two decades has also brought new opportunities for development of Irish-Austrian business and trade relations. 

More than anything else, however, the close links between Ireland and Austria are demonstrated on a daily basis by the inter-personal contacts between the peoples of both countries, whether as tourists, on the sports field, in the cultural sphere or in business.   Thousands of Irish people each year enjoy their visits to Austria, and many have made this country their home.   Similarly, Ireland has long been a popular destination for Austrians, who enjoy the hospitality, the sporting facilities, the rich historical and cultural heritage and the varied landscape of our country. 

I hope this website and its links will be useful to all those, whether Irish or Austrian, who wish to deepen and strengthen the ties between our two countries. 

My colleagues and I at the Embassy of Ireland look forward to offering our services to you and welcome any feedback you might have on our website and the work of the Embassy.

James Brennan
Ambassador of Ireland