Embassy of Ireland in Spain
On this day in 1935, the first Irish Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain, Leopold H. Kerney, presented his credentials to the President of the Spanish Republic, Mr Alcalá Zamora. 2025 therefore marks 90 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Spain.
According to Mr Kerney’s report of their meeting, they spoke of Spanish families of Irish origin, such as the O’Donnell and O’Shea families, and exchanged good wishes. Minister Kerney represented the Irish Government in Spain until his retirement in 1946.
The site of the original Irish Embassy was on Calle Zurbano in Madrid [use photo]. According to extracts from his memoirs, Minister Kerney’s first duties included efforts to improve trade relations between Ireland and Spain, as well to support the many Irish teachers or governesses working in educational institutions throughout Spain.
He was succeeded by John A. Belton as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary until 1949. After becoming a Republic, Ireland’s first Ambassador to Spain, Leo McCauley took office in 1949. There have been 17 Ambassadors to date and our newest Ambassador-designate, Brian Glynn, will become Ireland 18th Ambassador to Spain.
Irish-Spanish relations have deepened over the years. Here in Madrid we can see the special place Ireland has in the hearts of Spanish people with the very impressive St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Gran Via, which this year attracted more than 150,000 spectators and a visit from an Irish Minister, Colm Brophy TD. In the second half of 2026 Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and 2026 will also see Spain celebrate 40 years of EU membership.
The Embassy of Ireland plans to organise a number of events to mark the 90th Anniversary.
