In their own words
Five Poles share memories of their time living in Ireland
Link po polsku: Własnymi słowami
The ties between Ireland and Poland have never been stronger, and this year marks 20 years since a major milestone in the relationship between our two countries.
20 years ago, on 1 May 2004, in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, Poland and nine other countries joined the European Union, on the Day of Welcomes.
In the years following accession, over 300,000 Polish people moved to Ireland. Around 100,000 Polish people still live in Ireland, and Polish is the third most spoken language, following English and Irish.
Returning to Poland from Ireland
In recent years, many people have returned home to Poland. We hope that they bring with them fond memories of their time in Ireland, and maintain a lasting connection.
That is why, to mark 20 years since Poland’s accession to the EU, the Embassy of Ireland in Poland has asked just a few of these people to share their stories.
Read the five stories below. Have you got your own story to tell? Get in touch.
Janina Bąk, author and influencer
Janina is an author of popular science books and an education influencer. She lived in Dublin for eight years, during which she was doing her PhD at Trinity College Dublin and lectured in statistics.
What is your stand out memory of Ireland, Janina?
"What I loved about Ireland the most were the people. How open they were, how easy-going, and how helpful.
"And in terms of a specific memory, I remember the time of the marriage equality referendum happening in Dublin and all the time before the referendum. And when it passed, all the happiness and joy, and I think it was a great time to be in Dublin, to be in Ireland and see all this."
Is there anything that reminds you of Ireland today, here in Poland?
"Yes, it’s actually this spot.
"Because we are in a nice park here beside the river and actually when I was going to work every day, from my home to Trinity College, I was passing the Liffey River and going through a park.
"So, now I’m standing here and I think ‘OK, that’s what I was doing for the eight years in Dublin, heading towards my job.'"
Krzysztof Kaminski, structural engineer
Krzysztof is a structure engineer currently working as the spokesperson for Krakow District. He lived in Ireland for two and a half years, from 2008.
While there, he worked as an Architect at DMC Architects office in Rathgar, but also travelled a lot around the island.
What is your stand out memory of Ireland, Krzysztof?
“Hard to choose just one, as this period of time left hundreds of memories: mind-opening conversations with my boss, almost each and every visit to Western Ireland, bowling in Bray or wandering in Howth.
"However, if I have to choose only one, then I shall recall smell. And I don't mean the early-morning-smells-of-Temple-Bar during weekends, but the 'scent' of Dublin centre outskirts. Reminding me of my childhood holidays in Poland.
"I know it sounds twisted. I just used to spend every holidays in the eighties in Leba, on the Baltic sea shore. And since then, since then I have never sensed that smell of Leba - until 2007 somewhere close to Arnott Str.
"By the way, it might have something to do with my smoking, that I gave up just two months before leaving to Ireland.
"But it doesn't sound so romantic anymore…”
Is there anything that reminds you of Ireland today, here in Poland?
“Yes. It is the modern architecture of Krakow, with particular emphasis on commercial/residential buildings in Zablocie district.”
Sebastian Romanowicz, business owner
Sebastian is a business owner and runs a number of businesses with a presence in Ireland. He moved in to Ireland 2006 and still travels there often from his home Warsaw.
What is your stand out memory of Ireland, Sebastian?
"There are many of them, but I would like to mention just a couple because we do not have much time
"The first one is Dingle, for example, which is very nice and very beautiful. I recommend you visit. The second one is the Ring of Kerry, and the third one is the Cliffs of Moher. That’s it. Go and visit!"
Is there anything that reminds you of Ireland today, here in Poland?
“Definitely, yes.
"One of them is my Irish passport, I am an Irish citizen. That is what reminds me.
"And also, because I have run a company there since 2010, I fly over a couple of times a year to visit my friends, and also to check on the condition of the business!"
Anna Stepien, communications specialist
Anna is an internal communication and PR specialist. She lived in Ireland between 2005 and 2010, and worked at the Irish National Accreditation Board and in the IDA.
While there, Anna also studied at Dublin City University, where she earned an MA Degree in Public and Political Communications.
What is your stand out memory of Ireland, Anna?
“It is really difficult to pick one of so many but what I do remember are the people I met - open minded and open hearted, with pragmatic and positive attitude and a great sense of humour - and that I have learned a lot from this inspiring Irish mindset.
"So to all, whom I've met on my Irish path: Go raibh míle maith agat.”
Is there anything that reminds you of Ireland today, here in Poland?
“The weather from time to time, the music, and all shades of green!”
Wojciech Gronowski, product manager
Wojciech works for an Irish manufacturing company, with a branch located here in Poland. Wojciech moved to Ireland in 2005, where he lived for four years.
What is your stand out memory of Ireland, Wojciech?
"I met great people.
"And there was a lot of rain... and wind... and the grass is really green."
Is there anything that reminds you of Ireland today, here in Poland?
"Yes: my job.
"I have permanent contact with my main office in Ireland so I can say that every day reminds me of Ireland."