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Denmark–Ireland relations refers to the current and historical relations between Denmark and Ireland. Denmark has an embassy in Dublin, and Ireland has an embassy in Copenhagen. Diplomatic relations were established in January 1962. Both countries have since 1973 been members of the European Union.
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20th century
During the 19th century, many historians have commented on the differences between the Danish and Irish economies. Both countries were mostly agricultural and both countries were great import countries of the British market. Especially, bacon, eggs and butter. So there were competition between the two countries. Even Horace Plunkett said in 1908; "I have always felt that Ireland a second Denmark was no bad ideal for our reformers to set before them."
In 1943, Irish historian J.P. Beddy wrote:
Denmark is not only a smaller country than Eire but her climate is less equable, her soils are, in general, lighter and poorer, she has no coal and no water power to compensate for its absence, nor has she any iron ore or other metallic ores to serve as a basis for industrial activities. Yet, in comparison with Eire, she has a bigger population, a greater agricultural output, a more extensive industrial system, a larger foreign trade, a lower national debt, a higher national income and a better standard of living. It is the purpose of this paper to throw some light on this unusual economic paradox. [sic]
Many Irish historians and economists have compared the two countries; Raymond Crotty in 1966, Cormac Ó Gráda in 1977 and Joseph Lee in 1989.
Current relations
When both countries joined the European Union, Denmark opened an embassy in Dublin. Denmark lent 400 million euro to Ireland in 2010 as a rescue deal.
Cooperation and trade
An air transport treaty was signed in 1947, between both countries. In 1993, both countries signed a double taxation treaty. In 2008, Danish export to Ireland amounted 5,8 billion DKK, while Irish exports amounted 5,9 billion DKK.
Expatriates
About 1000 Danes live in Ireland.