Norway - Ireland

Last updated: 21.01.2015 // 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. 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 richest and most modern societies in the world today. 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.

The cultural co-operation between Norway and Ireland is strong. 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. However, there is still an untapped potential in these sectors.

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