Introduction by Ambassador Pat Hennessy

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

The relationship between Ireland and Italy has deep roots in history, documented over more than fifteen hundred years. In all that time it has invariably been one of cordial and unclouded friendship. Irish people cherish the memory of our contacts with Italy. We recall the rich texture of ecclesiastical relations between Ireland and Rome and are proud of the contributions which Irish saints, such as Colombanus in Bobbio or Cataldo in Taranto, made to Italy’s rich medieval heritage.  

We remember the figures of Irish history who were drawn to Italy, for example the last independent chieftains of the Gaelic world, who after the “Flight of the Earls” four hundred years ago found refuge in Rome, or the great statesman Daniel O’Connell who died in Italy in 1847. We recall that one of our greatest writers, James Joyce, produced a significant part of his work in Italy. The influence of Italy in Ireland is equally profound, not least in regard to our rich artistic legacy in the classical tradition. In short, the Irish-Italian relationship enriches almost every aspect of our pursuits and endeavours.  

In modern times our common membership of the European Union and of the Eurozone have added a qualitatively new dimension to Irish-Italian relationship. Our two peoples are amongst the most enthusiastic supporters of the European project, and it is no surprise therefore that Ireland and Italy are consistent allies in promoting European integration to an ever closer European Union. A strong emphasis on the importance of international law and of the importance of the United Nations Organisations reflects a similar congruence in our approach to foreign policy and international affairs.  

Ireland in recent decades has been transformed from being among the poorest countries in Europe to being one of the most prosperous. That has brought new opportunities also in terms of Irish Italian economic relations.  

Italy was Ireland’s 7th largest merchandise trading partner in 2005, with trade between the two countries worth some € 4.8 billion. Trade in services is worth some € 3.3 billion. There are significant Italian investments in Ireland, and in recent years, an increasing pattern of Irish investment in Italy. Both countries are popular tourist destinations for each other.  

I have been struck, in the time I have served as Ambassador of Ireland to Italy, above all by the human dimension of Irish Italian relations. In whatever capacity Irish and Italians meet, whether on the sports field, as tourists, as business colleagues or as members of the many extended Irish-Italian families, there is a natural affinity and sense of warmth between our two peoples which transcend any superficial difference.  

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

My colleagues at the Irish Embassy Rome and I myself will be more than happy to give you any added assistance we can in that endeavour.