Iceland–Ireland relations are the bilateral relations between Iceland and Ireland. Both nations are members of the European Economic Area, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

History Connections between Iceland and Ireland began circa 700s or 800s when Irish monks first explored Iceland as mentioned in the books by Irish monk and geographer Dicuil.State visits by Irish President Mary Robinson to Iceland When Norse explorers arrived to Iceland, many encountered the Irish monks on the island who they called "Papar" for the religious books they would leave behind on the island. When Norse settlers arrived, many of the Irish monks left Iceland because they would not inhabit a country of "pagans". During the following centuries, more Norse explorers would come to Iceland and bring with them Irish women who were slaves to Iceland producing Iceland's current genetic make-up among its population.The Irish Times: Why people in Iceland look just like us

During World War II, both Iceland (in personal union with the Kingdom of Denmark) and Ireland remained neutral. Iceland became a republic in June 1944. On 11 March 1948, both Iceland and Ireland established diplomatic relations.Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ireland (in Icelandic) In 1960, Iceland joined the European Free Trade Association while Ireland joined the European Union in 1973. In 2003, both nations signed a double taxation agreement.Iceland concludes a double taxation agreement with Ireland (in Icelandic) After the 2008 financial crisis that affected heavily the two nations,The Iceland and Ireland Banking Crises: Lessons for the Future Iceland began the formal application process to join the EU; however, Ireland raised concerns over Iceland's over fishing of the mackerel which Ireland stated that Iceland fished more than its share of the fish.Iceland's growing mackerel catch muddies waters for EU bid In 2013, Iceland pulled its application for joining the EU, wishing instead to remain outside the union.Iceland: No Longer Eager to Join E.U.

Transport Both nations are served with direct flights provided by Icelandair.

State visits

Presidential and Prime Ministerial visits from Iceland to IrelandPresident Vigdís Finnbogadóttir in Ireland (in Icelandic)Icelandic leader's visit focuses on trade links President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir (1991) Prime Minister Geir Haarde (2007)

Presidential and Prime Ministerial (Taoiseach) visits from Ireland to IcelandOfficial VisitsBertie Ahern visits Iceland President Mary Robinson (1991, 1996) Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (2001)

Trade Both Iceland and Ireland trade under the European Single Market with Iceland belonging to the EFTA and Ireland being a full member of the EU. In 2015, total trade between Iceland the European Union (which includes Ireland) totaled €5.7 billion.

Diplomatic missions Iceland is accredited to Ireland from its embassy in London, United Kingdom. Ireland is accredited to Iceland from its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark.Embassy of Ireland in Copenhagen

See also Foreign relations of Iceland Foreign relations of Ireland Iceland-EU relations Ireland-NATO relations NATO-EU relations Brendan the Navigator

References