Ireland's relationship with Malta
As two island nations located on either of the European Union, Ireland and Malta share historical experiences, rich ancient cultural heritages, and common values and interests as fellow members of the European Union and the United Nations.
Cooperation between our countries is deep and multi-layered. Our shared value of neutrality, accompanied by our unwavering solidarity and quest for justice, allows us to make use of our place in the international arena to protect those who do not share the same privilege.
Historically, several Irish figures served in important roles within Malta’s political landscape. For example, two of the islands governors were Irish-born. Francis Rawdon Hastings born in Co Down in 1754, served as Governor from 1824-1826 Hastings Gardens in Valletta is named in his honour.
Richard More O’ Ferrall from Kildare was one of the few Catholic Governors of Malta, serving from 1847-1851. Irish political connections cross into Malta’s parliamentary history also, with Limerick-born Dr Michael Dundon serving as Health Minister from 1922 to 1923.
Education links
Higher education links continue to flourish. The University of Malta (UM) and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) currently have Erasmus+ links with 18 Irish Universities.
These include Erasmus+ collaborations with National University of Ireland, Galway on Speech & Language Therapy, with University College Cork on disciplines including Environmental Sciences and with the South East Technical University, Waterford on Gender Studies.
Among the many Erasmus students to Malta was Irish actor Nicola Coughlan, (Derry Girls, Bridgerton) who has fond memories of her time here. Both Malta and Ireland now have a thriving movie industry and Irish screen stars are often seen on the islands.
University College Cork collaborates with the University of Malta on a range of environmental research projects such as analysis techniques for quantifying nanoplastics, deep sea mapping and offshore renewable energy.
Exciting new research links include the Horizon 2020 project GoGreenRoutes, coordinated by Maynooth University in Ireland and featuring partners such as the cities of Limerick in Ireland and Gzira in Malta, promoting a green urban environment and wellbeing.
Irish community in Malta
Around 900 Irish people live in Malta today, and the Irish community comprises a growing number of young contract workers in financial services and gaming sectors, together with retired people who enjoy the sunshine of Malta for a number of months each year.
Over the years, Irish community groups have done valuable work in bringing together members of the Irish community, hosting events and facilitating communications across the Irish diaspora in the Maltese Islands. Irish cultural events are supported or organised by the Irish Embassy throughout the year and are well attended by people of various nationalities.
The Irish Business Network, founded in 2022, is an active, dynamic organisation which works in tandem with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, and also hosts business and cultural events.
Sporting connections
Ireland’s historical influence can be seen in the football clubs found across Malta and Gozo. During Malta’s colonial period the Irish in Malta made the sport their own, with Paola’s football club called Hiberians FC and Żabbar’s club was first called the Shamrocks, later the Irish, and finally Żabbar St. Patrick’s, which remains their name today.
Floriana FC was founded in 1894 and their famous green shirts were presented as a gift-of-exchange during a friendly match against Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who were stationed in Floriana in 1915.
The club retains green in its jerseys today. Floriana has strong links to Ireland and any ‘Furjaniż’ you meet will affectionately refer to themselves as ‘tal-Irish!’
This affection for Ireland was further solidified when Cardinal Michael Logue, Primate of All Ireland, paid a short visit to Malta in 1895 and whilst in Floriana, he received such a rousing welcome, that he intervened with the Vatican to have Floriana’s, and Malta’s, patron saint, elevated to 'first class'.
Today, the Shamrock Stars Club in Gozo continues the sporting connections with athletes often attending events in Ireland.
Tourism ties
Sunny Malta attracts over 45,000 tourists annually from Ireland—and anyone who has visited the islands can see why. The Maltese Island boasts a vibrant history, a rich architectural legacy and above all a strong Irish historical and contemporary connection.
Malta is almost a year-round destination. During the long summer months, Irish tourists come to enjoy the traditional Maltese festa, family sun holidays, music or film festivals, diving or walking holidays or just to explore the many heritage sites of Malta and Gozo. Malta is also popular with Irish couples for destination weddings.
Trade relations
Two-way trade in goods is growing quickly between Ireland and Malta, with exports from Ireland now totaling over €600 million. This growth is largely related to exports of transport equipment food products and IT products.
Ireland imports many medical and pharmaceutical products from Malta, with imports totaling €13 million annually.