On the occasion of Saint Patrick’s Day, the Embassy of Ireland in Poland hosted a reception bringing together representatives of politics, academia and culture. The guest of honour was the Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, while the event was hosted by Ireland’s Ambassador to Poland, Patrick Haughey.
In his address, Minister Byrne highlighted the particularly strong ties between Poland and Ireland. He noted that around 100,000 Poles currently live in Ireland, with Polish now the third most widely spoken language in the country. He also recalled that tens of thousands of Poles had previously lived in Ireland before returning home, bringing with them valuable experience as well as fond memories of their time abroad.
The Minister also pointed to the dynamic growth of economic relations between the two countries. Bilateral trade has now exceeded €10 billion annually, and numerous Irish companies operate successfully on the Polish market. He further underlined the importance of political cooperation, thanking Poland for its leadership during its Presidency of the European Union in 2025, and noting that Ireland will assume this role in the second half of 2026. Among Ireland’s key priorities, he listed strengthening European security, enhancing economic competitiveness and safeguarding the fundamental values of the European Union.
An integral element of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Poland is the presentation of the Bernard O’Connor Award, granted to an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to strengthening relations between Ireland and Poland. In 2026, the award was presented to the Polish Association for Irish Studies (PAIS). Founded in 2019, the organisation coordinates the work of scholars engaged in Irish studies across Poland. The award was accepted on behalf of the association by Professor Michał Lachman, who expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasised that their work is driven by a genuine passion for Irish literature, history and culture.
During the award ceremony, Ambassador Patrick Haughey remarked:
“I am truly grateful to the Polish Association for Irish Studies for all that it does to promote awareness of and affinity for Ireland in Poland. Thanks to these efforts, hundreds of young people in Poland have the opportunity to learn about Irish history, culture, literature, language and music. Their enthusiasm and knowledge help bring our countries ever closer together.”
Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated on 17 March, is one of the most widely recognised national holidays in the world. It commemorates Ireland’s patron saint – Saint Patrick – who, according to tradition, played a key role in the Christianisation of the island. In Ireland, the day combines both religious observance and festive celebration, featuring parades, concerts, festivals and social gatherings. The most recognisable symbol of the holiday is the three-leaf clover, which Saint Patrick is said to have used to explain the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Green is the dominant colour of the celebrations – visible in decorations, attire and illuminated buildings. Popular motifs also include leprechauns, figures from Irish folklore, and traditional Celtic music.
In Poland, celebrations of the holiday are becoming increasingly varied and widespread. Irish music concerts, dance performances, educational initiatives and gatherings in Irish-style pubs are organised across the country. In many cities, iconic buildings are illuminated in green, symbolically linking Poland with Ireland and highlighting the close and friendly relations between the two nations.
Thanks to the efforts of organisations such as PAIS, as well as the continued support of the Embassy of Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day in Poland is becoming not only a festive occasion, but also an opportunity to deepen knowledge and appreciation of the culture of the Emerald Isle.
Ada Krzewicka
