Bilateral relations between the Republic of Latvia and Ireland

From April 1923 until the occupation of the country in 1940, Latvia had consular relations with Ireland as a British Dominion. After the occupation of Latvia and its incorporation into the USSR, Latvian consular representation offices continued to function in Ireland, as in Great Britain, its colonies and dominions: in Dublin until 1967, in Cork until mid-1972, and in Waterford until 1949.

In the 1920s, Latvia’s interests in Ireland were represented by consular agencies in Belfast and Londonderry (Northern Ireland). In 1940, Latvia had an Honorary Consulate in Ireland (Dublin), as well as Vice Consuls in Cork and Waterford. Ireland’s interests in Latvia were represented by the British legation.

After Latvia lost its independence in 1940, Ireland officially declared that it did not recognise the incorporation of Latvia into the USSR.

Ireland, along with other European Community countries, recognised the restoration of Latvia’s independence on 27 August 1991. Documents on diplomatic relations between the two countries were signed on 9 October 1991, during a visit to Latvia by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Gerard Collins.

Since 14 March 2022, Marie Louise O’Donnell has been the Honorary Consul of Latvia in County Dublin.

Latvia’s diplomatic representation in Ireland

The Embassy of Latvia is located in Dublin.

Latvia opened a resident Embassy in Dublin at the end of 2003. Since 27 September 2022, Juris Štālmeistars has been the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ireland.

Latvian Ambassadors to Ireland:

• 2017–2022 Jānis Sīlis
• 2013–2017 Gints Apals
• 2009–2013 Pēteris Kārlis Elferts
• 2005–2009 Indulis Ābelis
• 2003–2004 Mārtiņš Lācis
• 2003–2003 Jānis Dripe
• 1997–2001 Normans Penke
• 1993–1996 Jānis Lūsis

Ireland’s diplomatic representation in Latvia

The Embassy of Ireland in Latvia is located in Riga.

The first Irish Ambassador to Latvia, Richard A. O’Brien, was accredited on 27 November 1991 (residence in Warsaw).

Since 18 August 2025, Marcella Smyth has been the Irish Ambassador to Latvia.

The parliamentary group for promoting cooperation between Latvia and Ireland was first established at the Saeima in 1996 during the term of the 6th Saeima. During the term of the 14th Saeima, the parliamentary group for promoting cooperation with the Parliament of Ireland consists of 14 members and is headed by Uģis Rotbergs (Jaunā Vienotība).

Ireland is an important trading partner for Latvia.

The main categories of Latvian goods exported to Ireland are: wood and wooden articles (28% of the total volume), food industry residues and waste; prepared feed for farm animals (24%), mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes (8.3%). The largest increase in volume in 2023 was in exports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; grains and mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation. The largest decrease in volume was in exports of food industry residues and waste.

The main groups of imported goods from Ireland are: beverages, spirits and vinegar (52%), machinery and mechanical appliances (9.7%), and essential oils and resinoids (7.6%).

The largest increase in volume in 2023 was in imports of beverages, spirits and vinegar, preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk. The largest decrease in volume was in imports of miscellaneous chemical products and optical, photographic, cinematographic instruments and apparatus.

Further information

• Bilateral trade

• Direct investment in Latvia

From 1 May 2004, Ireland opened up its labour market to the free movement of workers from the new EU Member States. This opportunity has led many Latvian nationals to move to Ireland. According to data from the Register of Natural Persons of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, there were 23,593 Latvian nationals residing in Ireland as of 1 January 2024.

Our fellow nationals living in Ireland are an important part of our society, and Latvia is doing everything possible to promote their civic participation and involvement in political processes.

The Latvian diaspora in Ireland is well integrated into Irish society and is very active in preserving Latvian identity:

• nine Latvian associations are established in Ireland, among them, the Latvian Society in Ireland, the Irish Latvian National Council, and the Latvian Association for Latvians in Ireland are members of the European Latvian Association;
• seven diaspora schools;
• seven amateur collectives;
  • four dance ensembles for all age groups;
  • three choirs;
• Latvian theatre in Ireland Sliedes;
• Latvian authors’ club Baltie vārti;
• seniors’ social group Likteņdzirnas;
• two sports teams and Sports Friends Club Thunder;
• Latvian Cultural Foundation in Ireland (LCFI);
• five social network Facebook groups and one Facebook page.

The Latvian-language news portal Baltic-Ireland.ie is also active in Ireland, offering information on current events in Ireland and Latvia.

Bilateral treaty database

• Government of Ireland
• Parliament of Ireland
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland