Ireland's relationship with Argentina
Irish diaspora in Argentina
Well before Ireland and Argentina established diplomatic relations and opened embassies in the respective capitals, our countries were unified by a shared history of migration and people-to-people links. Argentina is home to the largest population (c. 500,000) of Irish descendants outside the English-speaking world. With immigration having ceased prior to the First World War, these are now mostly 4th and 5th generation descendants.
Two iconic figures that Ireland and Argentina share are William (or Guillermo) Brown, a native of Foxford County Mayo and founder of the Argentine Navy, and Cecilia Grierson, whose mother was Irish, who was the first woman doctor in Argentina and played a central role in advocating for women’s rights in Argentina.
Today, Ireland’s diaspora in Argentina is as diverse as it is large and includes the recipients of Working Holiday visas and scholarships, students of Irish Studies courses or in Irish schools, and GAA players and Irish dancers.
Meet the Irish disapora in Argentina
Cultural connections
Rooted in these historical links and led today by the some 20 Argentine-Irish associations, Ireland has a significant cultural footprint in Argentina. Irish dancing schools across the country are growing from strength to strength and Uileann piping classes are available in Patagonia. Given Argentina’s many successes in sport and recent World Cup victory, it is not surprising that its GAA teams, of which there are several, repeatedly come out on top in the GAA World Games.
In addition, contemporary Irish arts and culture are thriving in Argentina. Recent highlights have included Claire Keegan literature events, contemporary film festivals and a collaborative street art project commemorating Cecilia Grierson.
Prosperity
Educational and commercial ties are further cementing the connections between our two countries.
Argentina is Ireland’s third largest trade partner in the Latin American and the Caribbean region. Over the last 10 years, exports and imports between the two countries have grown by over 80%. There are also a number of Irish companies operating in Argentina including Smurfit Kappa, ICON Clinical Research, Guinness and Kerry Ingredients. Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland representatives in the region support these activities.
Bilateral visits further deepen the connection between Ireland and Argentina and Argentina has received a number of high-level visits in recent years including from President Higgins and a range of senior Government Ministers.
Building on Ireland’s strong legacy of involvement in the education sector in Argentina and on its growing reputation for scientific excellence, today Irish and Argentine institutions are collaborating on a number of research partnerships, there are a number of universities delivering Irish Studies Programmes, and Ireland is seen as a popular destination for higher education and English-language education.