While formal diplomatic relations between Ireland and Norway were established in 1949, we have enduring historical connections dating back to the 10th century when Vikings established settlements in Ireland. Many of these grew to become our modern day cities and towns, such as Dublin and Waterford. Fittingly, Tønsberg is twinned with Waterford, as the oldest cities in Norway and Ireland respectively.
As home to the Nobel Peace Prize, Norway has recognized the contributions of peacemakers on the island of Ireland. Betty Williams and Mairead Maguire were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976 for their work as cofounders of the Community of Peace People. In 1998, John Hume and David Trimble received the prize in Oslo for their work that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
Small nations, shared principles
Today, the relationship between Ireland and Norway is very strong. There are many similarities as two small countries with open, outward looking, progressive and stable economies.
We work together on shared priorities and the promotion of our values, including human rights, international humanitarian law and the critical importance of development aid. A practical expression of that partnership was Ireland and Norway’s close collaboration on a broad range of issues during our terms on the United Nations Security Council from 2021 to 2022. More recently, Ireland and Norway worked closely on the protection of civilians from the effects of explosive weapons (the EWIPA Declaration).
Ireland and Norway enjoy a stable trading relationship, with bilateral trade in goods and services totaling over €5 billion annually. Power generating machinery, metal ores and medical and pharmaceutical products are the main categories of exports to Norway, while metals, fish and fertilizers top the list of exports to Ireland.
Cultural connections
Cultural links between Ireland and Norway are very strong and span literature, traditional and contemporary music and dance, art, film and sports. James Joyce admired Henrik Ibsen so much that he studied Norwegian to be able to read Ibsen’s original work rather than in translation.
Norway is now home to 2,000 Irish citizens who are making their mark in business and culture throughout the country. The Bergen Irish Society and the Norwegian Irish Society host vibrant St Patrick’s Day parades each year in Bergen and Oslo respectively.
Groups like the Mná na hÉireann san Iorua choir, Féile Oslo and An Iorua Cultural Center proudly promote Irish music and culture in Norway, supported by the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.
Each year 55,000 Norwegians visit Ireland. With direct links between Dublin and Oslo as well as between Dublin and Bergen, Ireland and Norway are closer now than ever.