Ireland's relationship with the Slovak Republic
While the Slovak Republic may be a young State, Ireland’s relationship with its people stretches back millennia.
Ireland and the newly independent Slovak Republic established diplomatic relations in January 1993 immediately following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
Our historical links stretch back to 1000 BC, however, when Celtic tribes living in Central Europe migrated westwards towards Ireland.
Connections continued throughout history, from the monks travelling from the Irish monastery in Salzburg to Slovakia in the 7th century, through to Maurice O’Donnell (1726-89), one of the Wild Geese from Tyrconnell, marrying
Princess Leopoldine Kantacuzene and living with her in Bratislava (then Pressburg). One of their sons, Maximilian Count O’Donnell of Tyrconnell saved the life of Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria in 1853.
Working for peace and prosperity
Today Ireland and the Slovak Republic are close partners, committed to working together for peace and prosperity – both in the United Nations and in our shared home in the European Union.
With nine other countries, Slovakia became a member of the European Union on 1 May 2004 during Ireland’s EU Presidency. We were proud to host the Slovak delegation in the city of Cork on that historic “Day of Welcomes”.
While geographically situated at the very opposite ends of the EU, our common membership of the Union has brought Ireland and Slovakia closer together.
Economic relations
With both countries operating within the EU single market, trade in goods and services are on an upward trajectory, facilitated also by our common membership of the Eurozone and good connectivity.
Bilateral trade between Ireland and Slovakia is now worth about €1 billion annually. There is clearly potential to build further on this and to see the positive trend continuing and indeed accelerating.
People-to-people connections
Approximately 15,000 Slovak citizens currently live in Ireland. There are many Irish-born children now living in Slovakia after their parents returned home. The Embassy maintains contact with this reverse diaspora, keeping alive their connection to Ireland and our culture.
There is a small but vibrant Irish community of around 350 people living in Slovakia. The ‘Slovak Shamrocks’ GAA Club are a voluntary organisation promoting Gaelic football and handball. The club is an important focal point for the community, helping many newcomers to make contacts and settle in Slovakia.
With regular direct flights between Dublin and Bratislava, Slovakia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Irish visitors.
Educational and cultural connections
Links between educational institutions in our countries are strong and growing, with collaboration across many different academic fields. Comenius University in Bratislava and Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica both offer modules in Irish studies as part of wider degree courses.
A significant number of Irish students of veterinary science choose the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Slovakia’s second city, Košice to pursue their degrees.
Irish literature, music and dance are immensely popular in Slovakia.
The interest in culture goes both ways; Irishman John Minahane has translated the works of several important Slovak writers into English, introducing their works to a wider global readership. He was decorated with an award from the Slovak Foreign Minister in 2021.