Ireland's relationship with Latvia
Historical links
From descendants of the Wild Geese who left Ireland at the end of the 17th century to the Latvian pipe shop that is still trading in the centre of Dublin city, the story of our countries is in the connections between our peoples.
Today, ties between Ireland and Latvia are closer than ever. We have a growing population of people with both Latvian and Irish heritage, bringing more and more links between our two countries.
We share commonalities in our history with national awakenings leading to independence in the early 20th century. Both countries emerged as nations following World War I and joined the League of Nations within a few years of each other.
Ireland did not recognise the incorporation of Latvia into the USSR, and moved quickly after the restoration of independence to reestablish diplomatic ties. Latvia established a resident Embassy in Dublin in 2003, and Ireland reciprocated with the establishment of a resident Embassy in Riga in 2005.
Working together in the world
Ireland and Latvia work together for peace and prosperity through cooperation at the United Nations and at the Council of Europe, where rule of law and respect for human rights form the core of our shared vision for the world.
Ireland was delighted to welcome Latvia as a fellow member of the EU in a ceremony at the Phoenix Park during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in 2004. Since then, there has been a steady strengthening of ties between Ireland and Latvia. We are like-minded on many issues in the EU and are both part of the Nordic-Baltic group whose Heads of State meet to coordinate before European Council meetings.
Our strong bilateral relationship
With increasing levels of trade, travel, and cultural activity, we enjoy a strong bilateral relationship on the world stage.
Wood products are a significant part of the trade activity from Latvia to Ireland. Ireland’s exports strengths to Latvia can be seen in financial services and pharmaceuticals.
The eco-friendly Irish clothing manufacturer, OceanR who create luxury clothing products from reclaimed ocean plastics, have their main manufacturing base in Riga. Agritech and cosmetics retail are sectors with growth potential for Irish companies in Latvia
Our enduring connections
There are many similarities in the cultures of our countries. Both countries share a love of music, singing and dancing. Sport is a national passion in both Ireland and in Latvia.
Ancient traditions marking the seasons are celebrated in similar ways, including the Irish festivals of Samhain and Bealtaine and the Latvian festivals of Jāņi and the winter solstice. The similarities can be seen in the burning of bonfires, dancing and the wearing of masks and costumes, among other traditions.
Our people also find connection through literature. A number of Irish authors and poets have been translated into Latvian, including Jan Carson, Eoin Colfer, and Cecelia Ahern. The Latvian diaspora in Ireland keep their connections with Latvia alive through choirs and dance ensembles.
Showcasing the connections between our countries, groups from Ireland participate in the national Song and Dance Festival, an integral part of Latvian culture. Latvians who return to Latvia from Ireland have also brought some culture back with them in the form of Irish music and dance.