Ireland's relationship with Croatia
Although separated by land and sea, Ireland and Croatia have a shared European heritage.
Our joint European Union (EU) membership has strengthened our modern relationship, with shared priorities at the core. As countries with a commitment to democracy and the rule of law, Ireland and Croatia work together internationally for peace and prosperity – in the United Nations, in our shared home in the EU, and in other international organisations.
While our histories are very different, there are some similarities in the narratives of the Irish and the Croat people. Both have fought for their independence over many centuries and both have a long history of emigration, which has seen our people scattered across the world. We share a desire to reach out to our diasporas, to celebrate their achievements, and to welcome them home.
Historical connections
There are also historical figures who link Ireland and Croatia. Count Laval Nugent, the last Frankopan, born in Westmeath, was a 19th century Austrian Field Marshall who was important to Croatian diplomatic, political and cultural life almost 200 hundred years ago. Irish writer James Joyce first lived in the Croatian port of Pula after leaving Ireland with Nora Barnacle.
Now, Ireland is home to a significant Croatian community, who make an important contribution to Ireland’s development and society. There are also many Croatians who have spent time in Ireland and returned to Croatia, helping to cement the bonds of friendship between our two countries. Many Irish have learned to appreciate Croatia through enjoying their holidays in the land of a thousand islands, while a small Irish community have made Croatia their permanent home.
Economic relations
While previously not strong trading partners, our joint membership of the EU has promoted economic ties between Ireland and Croatia. These ties are growing rapidly, supported by the strong people-to-people contacts between our two countries. Two-way trade in goods and services totals over €700 million annually, marking over 1000% growth in the last decade since Croatia joined the EU in 2013.
Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland work with the Embassy to promote Ireland in Croatia. A number of Irish companies have opened in Croatia recently, sometimes as the result of Croatian members of staff pointing out the advantages of Croatia as a business location.
Cultural links
One of the strong links between Ireland and Croatia is a shared love of culture. Irish music and dance are known and appreciated all over Croatia, with many Irish performers in Croatian festivals and concerts.
Irish literature and other arts are also appreciated here, most notably James Joyce, who wrote some of his earliest published work while living in Pula, and who is still celebrated in the northwestern Croatian town. The Irish Embassy and Culture Ireland work together to further promote Irish culture in Croatia.