Ireland's relationship with Austria
The relationship between Ireland and Austria has deep roots in history that remain vibrant to the present day.
In the 12th century, Irish monks founded the Schottenstift abbey in central Vienna. In the late 17th century, Austria gave refuge to a large number of Ireland’s ‘Wild Geese’ émigrés. As a result, common Irish surnames like Taaffe, O’Donnell, Lacy, Browne, Kavanagh and Laudon are found scattered through Austrian military and political historical records.
Examples include Count Eduard von Taaffe who served two terms as Minister-President of Cisleithania (head of government) within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, from 1868-70 and 1879-1893), and Count Maximilian Karl Lamoral O’Donneel von Tyrconnell, an Irish-Autrian Count who saved the life of Emperor Franz Joseph I during an assassination attempt in 1853.
We have shared literary links, from Wittgenstein’s visits to Dublin to Oliver St. John Gogarty’s time in Vienna. All of these links are a solid foundation for our cordial bilateral relations.
People-to-people connections
Today the Irish influence on Austria continues to flourish, mainly thanks to the diverse and active expat community here.
There are approximately 2,000 Irish people living in Austria, predominantly either studying or working in international relations, arts and business.
Irish culture is very present in Austria through the thriving Irish music and dance scene, regular exhibitions by contemporary artists, the Vienna Gaels Gaelic football club, and not least through the University of Vienna’s Centre for Irish Studies, the largest such centre in the German-speaking world.
The Irish Embassy plays an active role in promoting Irish artists and musicians and in organising cultural events such as the St. Patrick’s Day parade and Bloomsday breakfast.
Economic ties
Our bilateral historical ties have been immeasurably strengthened by our common membership of the European Union and the Eurozone. Trade has continued to increase with 2022 figures marking over €425 million in goods and over €2 billion in services to Austria.
In addition, Tourism Ireland has a strong presence in Austria and we continue to promote Ireland as a destination for Austrian holidaymakers, especially through Ireland Week, a cultural programme of events each March.
Shared values
The shared values of Ireland and Austria are evident in terms of our support for multilateralism, our commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and our record of involvement in UN peacekeeping missions.
As two neutral EU Member States, our bilateral relationship is more important than ever, and we continue to enjoy a constructive working relationship at a bilateral level.