Irish Culture
By showcasing Ireland's rich cultural heritage, we can reap long-term and positive benefits for Ireland's reputation and its relationship with the people of Scotland. We can also work to connect people with their Irish heritage.
Culture & Heritage
Our culture
Ireland's culture is a unique national strength and a source of particularly strong links between Ireland and Scotland and the rest of Britain. It's one of our greatest competitive advantages, acting as a "door opener" that converts into jobs, trade, investment, and tourism. It’s also our most effective way of connecting with the Irish community.
What we do
The Consulate is involved in a broad range of cultural activities, which raise awareness of Ireland and also enhance our ties with Scotland. The Consulate supports a variety of cultural initiatives through the year through collaboration with other groups in music, the spoken word, or design.
In 2015, the Consulate in Scotland hosted a number of events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great Irish poet WB Yeats as well as events to showcase the excellence of Ireland’s design sector, as part of the Year of Irish Design.
2016 marks the centenary of the Easter Rising, a key moment in Ireland’s path to independence. Throughout the year, the Irish Government has run a wide-ranging programme to commemorate the Rising and explore its legacy. Events have taken place locally, nationally and internationally, using local history, education, the Irish language, the arts and more to remember and reflect. The Consulate of Ireland in Scotland has hosted a number of commemorative events, and will continue to do so for the remainder of 2016. You can learn more about the commemorations programme at the Ireland2016 website, or in the video below:
For more information on the Consulate’s cultural activities, see our news and events page.
Your Irish Heritage
Some 70 million people around the world claim Irish roots. If you are one of them, there are a number of ways you can celebrate your heritage and discover more about where you come from.
Get involved in Irish community activities
Over the years, generations of Irish people have made invaluable contributions to all aspects of life in their new homes, in politics, arts, business, and sports. Their patriotism coexists with the contribution they have made in their new communities.
Learn more about our engagement with Irish communities abroad:
New to Scotland?
If you are Irish and have recently moved to Scotland, it may be beneficial to meet with other Irish people who are part of a local organisation or business network that can provide you with general advice, information and guidance. Find out more about such organisations.
Trace your Irish roots
To find out more about tracing your Irish heritage, you may be interested in initiatives such as Ireland Reaching Out and The Gathering 2013.
Our commitment
We are committed to strengthening our relationship with the Irish people and people of Irish descent worldwide and to promoting what is best about our country.
In working together, we will ensure the continued respect and admiration in which Irish people and our culture are held worldwide.
Visit Ireland
If you are interested in visiting Ireland, read about The Gathering in 2013 and get more information from Tourism Ireland.