Fáilte romhat

On behalf of the Embassy in Mexico City, I would like to welcome you to our website and hope that you will find it both interesting and useful.

Ireland and Mexico have many shared experiences, including colonial histories and a rich cultural diversity in both our countries.  Both of us have had to deal with the problem of large scale emigration. Over the centuries, Irish people have had an important relationship with Mexico.

During the era of New Spain, many Spanish representatives in Mexico were descendents of Irish exiles to Spain. William Lamport (Guillén Lombardo) of Wexford brought radical ideas of racial equality, representative government and national independence to Mexico in the 17th century. Juan O’Donojú, the last Spanish Viceroy and the man who recognised Mexico’s independence, was of Irish descent. The story of the Irish soldiers who fought for Mexico against the US invasion, as part of the St. Patrick’s Battalion at the Battle of Churubusco in 1847, is well known to all Mexicans. We are also proud of the Irish heritage of some of Mexico’s most renowned cultural figures, such as architect Juan O’Gorman and the painter Pablo O’Higgins.

Today, Ireland and Mexico enjoy a strong and growing relationship, with increasing cultural, tourist and economic cooperation.  In 2008, Mexico was Ireland’s 19th largest merchandise trade partner, with total trade valued at €938.2m. Exports were worth €729.8m and imports were €208.4m. In 2008, the Government’s decision to open an Enterprise Ireland Office here was a mark of our commitment to develop stronger economic ties between our two countries.

This in Mexico City also represents Ireland to Cuba, El Salvador, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru and works to promote cordial relations and foster mutual understanding between the Government and people of Ireland and each of these countries.

The Consulates of Ireland in Cancún (Mexico), Guatemala City (Guatemala), San Salvador (El Salvador), Panama City (Panama), Caracas (Venezuela), Bogotá (Colombia) and Lima (Peru) are headed by Honorary Consuls who maintain close contact with the Embassy and who assist Irish citizens and others in consular matters.

While the Embassy is located in Mexico City, we aim to be accessible in all of the countries to which we are accredited. So wherever you are, we are here to assist you with any queries you may have.

Finally, if you have any suggestions for ways in which we can improve our website, please tell us and help to play your part in improving our service.

Eamon Hickey
Ambassador

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To promote the use of the Irish language abroad, Glór na nGael runs an annual Irish language Christmas Card competition for Irish speakers living overseas, with some support from the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) of this Department.

Full  information and contact details are available from Glor na nGael’s website at: 

English:     http://www.glornangael.ie/cartlann-preas-raitis-2009/art-competition-for-irish.html

Irish:          http://www.glornangael.ie/cartlann-preas-raitis-2009/comortas-ealain-do-na-gaeil.html