Irish ambassador visits the Department of Irish Studies

In August 2024, Maeve Collins took up her post as Ireland’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany in Berlin. In the same month, Ireland established a Consulate-General in Munich, which covers Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. James C. O’Shea was appointed as the first Irish Consul General in Munich. Ambassador Collins, accompanied by Consul General O’Shea, has now paid her first official visit to the University of Würzburg in this capacity.

Würzburg holds special significance for the Irish diplomat: “Ireland’s ties with Germany are deep and strong. They date back to the seventh century, when Saint Killian travelled from the Irish county of Cavan to Würzburg in Bavaria. Since then, there has been an enduring connection between our cultures,” she writes on the embassy’s website.

Irish Studies: A focus unique in Germany

Maeve Collins was welcomed on 28 May 2026 by the team at Irish Studies Würzburg (ISWÜ). This centre, one of only a few of its kind in Germany, was established in 2020 by Professors Ina Bergmann and Maria Eisenmann.

In her lecture for the visitors from Ireland, Maria Eisenmann traced the long and multifaceted connection between Ireland and Würzburg, from historical milestones to current collaborations. An outstanding example of this relationship is the Kilians Gospel Book, one of the most valuable works in the University Library, which marks the beginning of cultural exchange.

Irish Studies Würzburg (ISWÜ) is now a key driving force behind this vibrant connection. As part of the Europe-wide network of the European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies (EFACIS), Würzburg is integrated into a community of around 50 academic centres in over 25 countries. “This means that ISWÜ is not only locally rooted but also internationally networked, helping to raise the profile of Würzburg as a key centre for Irish Studies in Europe,” as Eisenmann said.

A wide range of programmes and activities

On the ground, ISWÜ aims to create spaces for exchange and collaboration: between researchers, doctoral candidates, students of English and anyone interested in Ireland beyond the academic world. The scope of its work ranges from the analysis of individual literary works and linguistic phenomena to comprehensive research into the history and culture of Ireland. In practice, this takes the form of a wide range of activities such as readings, guest lectures, workshops, study days, symposia, conferences and cultural events such as the Irish Itinerary.

Irish culture is also kept alive in Würzburg in other ways. The German-Irish Society of Würzburg, represented by Matthias Fleckenstein and Emma Phelan, has been committed to cultural exchange for many years. Dr Mark Darling at the Chair of Comparative Linguistics makes a further important contribution, particularly through his research into the Celtic languages.

Students share their exchange experiences

A particular highlight of the visit was hearing from Irish students living in Würzburg as part of exchange programmes such as Erasmus. They gave a vivid account of how they personally experience and help shape the connection between their home country and Würzburg.

“The visit impressively demonstrated that the connection between Würzburg and Ireland is far more than a historical relic. It is brought to life by the people who shape it, through research, teaching and student exchange,” concluded Maria Eisenmann following Maeve Collins’ visit. She and the entire ISWÜ team were delighted to welcome the Irish Ambassador and the Consul General. In this way, Würzburg will continue to live up to its reputation as the “Irish city on the continent” in the future.

Contact

Prof. Dr Maria Eisenmann & Prof. Dr Ina Bergmann, Irish Studies Würzburg,
T +49 (0)931-31-88529, Email: maria.eisenmann@uni-wuerzburg.de, ina.bergmann@uni-wuerzburg.de

Irish Studies website