Relations between Ireland and Germany are close and friendly and the two countries work together intensively at both bilateral and European level.

In 1990, during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland made a significant contribution to bringing about German reunification.

Especially against the backdrop of Brexit, both sides intend to further extend and deepen Irish-German relations. The trustful relations between the two countries are reflected in the Joint Plan of Action updated in 2021, as well as in the many reciprocal visits at various levels and between the parliaments.

Germany is one of Ireland’s largest trading partners. Its main exports to Ireland are motor vehicles, chemical products, electronics and machinery. Its main imports from Ireland primarily include pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, electronics, food as well as measurement and control technology.

Germany and Ireland enjoy good cultural relations, which are largely maintained without any government involvement. The Goethe‑Institut plays a key role in cultural exchange, as do the town twinning arrangements and university partnerships. Irish-German relations are also being fostered among schools: pupils of St Kilian’s German School in Dublin can apply directly to study at German higher education institutions. What is more, the close cooperation with the Lycée Français d’Irlande (LFI) on the Franco German Eurocampus in Dublin, which includes joint instruction in some subjects, serves as a global model.