Welcome to the Norwegian Embassy's website!
The Irish – Norwegian connections started with some not so friendly encounters about 1200 years ago when the Vikings came visiting the Emerald Isle. However, the Vikings did not just bring with them lust for plunder and pillage, but also trade and they established some of Ireland’s most important towns and cities. It is believed that the first Vikings settled in Ireland around 790 and even founded Ireland’s first city, Waterford (Veðrafjǫrðr).
From the first ships that sailed across the North Sea to today's political, cultural and trade relations - our shared history is part of what makes our two nations so closely linked. The Viking era was undoubtedly the beginning of cultural exchange and trade between the two countries.
Situated on the fringes of Europe with small populations and long coastlines, Ireland and Norway share many features. Moreover, both countries have developed from being poor agrarian nations to become among the most modern societies in the world. Both countries are also well known for their strong engagement in peace and reconciliation activities worldwide, and for promoting UN’s role as a cornerstone for an international legal order and worldwide security system.
Consular services to Norwegians in Ireland, as well as to foreigners who want to visit Norway, are a core activity for this Embassy. We also focus on creating better informed awareness and overall branding of Norway. This involves strong emphasis of cultural exchange in the Embassy’s overall exercise of public diplomacy. Our task is to serve as a proactive catalyst to further strengthen and widen the cultural co-operation between Norway and Ireland. There is a continuous exchange of musicians, theatre plays, exhibitions, etc., as well as close contacts between cultural institutions of the two countries.
Tourism has also increased significantly, as well as trade. Did you know that 10 000 Norwegians visit Ireland every year? Or that the biggest salmon producer in Ireland is Norwegian? There are also currently over 90 Norwegian students studying in Ireland today. However, there is still an untapped potential in these sectors.
As the Ambassador of Norway to Ireland, I am to further strengthen these ties and make the relationship even more vibrant and comprehensive, and it is my hope that our already strong relations will continue to expand in the years to come. Norway would like to learn more about Ireland, to share best practice, and to continue to be a partner in international cooperation.
On this website you can find out more about Norway and Ireland. If you have any comments or question - do not hesitate to get in touch with us on . And if you wish to keep up to date with Norwegian events in Ireland, please sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.
Roald Næss
Ambassador