Ireland's relationship with Denmark
Ireland’s relationship with Denmark goes back many centuries.
Relations between Ireland and Denmark first began in the 10th century, when Vikings established settlements in Ireland.
Irish influence from this period can be seen in Denmark too – amongst one of the most significant Danish archaeological finds of five Viking ships in Roskilde Fjord, was a warship constructed with wood from Glendalough, Co Wicklow.
The ship was reconstructed in the 2000s, and named the Sea Stallion (Havingsten in Danish) – you can see it today at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.
European partners
Today, the relationship between Ireland and Denmark is very strong. We share many similarities - we are both open, outward looking, progressive, stable democracies.
We have a shared experience of EU membership, having joined the European Economic Community (EEC) on the same day in 1973.
Since then, the relationship between Denmark and Ireland has flourished and we work closely together on shared priorities in the EU, and in other multilateral organisations, including the United Nations.
Economic links
Economic links between Ireland and Denmark are stronger than ever, with combined trade in goods of over €1.3 billion in 2023.
Denmark is a large services export partner for Ireland, with €3 billion in total service exports to Denmark in 2022.
Denmark is an important market for Ireland, and a number of Irish companies are operating and thriving in Denmark, particularly in the pharmaceutical, IT, and agricultural sectors, as well as a number of large Danish companies with operations in Ireland.
Irish community in Denmark
There are over 3,000 Irish people living and working or studying in Denmark, and these have helped to create a vibrant and active Irish community, who also retain their close ties to home.
The diaspora enjoy many opportunities to celebrate and share Irish culture and traditions with their Danish and international friends and colleagues, including during the annual St Patrick's Day Parade, held in Rådhuspladsen in central Copenhagen.
Cultural connections
Cultural links between Ireland and Denmark go far beyond our shared Viking history, and today encompass literature, traditional and contemporary music, dance, art, design, film and sports.
Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney bridged the divide between ancient and modern times in his poem 'The Tollund Man'. Inspired by an Iron Age body found in a peat bog in Jutland, the poem reflects on the ancient religious killing, which brings to mind comparisons with contemporary conflicts.
Another Irish Nobel Laureate, James Joyce, admired Denmark so much that he even learned to speak Danish – and a letter that he wrote to his grandson in 1936 became the short story 'The Cats of Copenhagen'. Today, Joyce, Heaney, and many other Irish writers are studied in Denmark, and celebrated for their significant contribution to world literature.
GAA in Denmark
Irish sports are well represented across Denmark, with three thriving GAA clubs, including men’s and women’s Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie teams.
These clubs, which include members from Ireland, Denmark, and many other countries, are brilliantly showcasing Irish sports to new audiences.