History of Australia–Ireland relations in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 13, 2026

Australia and Ireland share strong diplomatic ties rooted in shared history as former British Empire members. Significant Irish migration to Australia, exceeding 300,000, resulted from poverty in Ireland. Today, over 2 million Australians claim Irish ancestry. Both countries collaborate within international organizations such as the Australia Group, OECD, and the United Nations, fostering cooperation on various global issues. Their relationship is characterized by historical connections, cultural exchange, and multilateral cooperation.

1901: Australian Federation

Australia achieved independence from Britain in stages, beginning with federation in 1901.

1902: Second Boer War

During the Second Boer War (1899–1902), Irish and Australian soldiers fought side by side for the British Empire.

1914: World War I

In 1914, Irish and Australian soldiers fought side by side for the British Empire during World War I.

1918: End of World War I

Irish and Australian soldiers fought side by side for the British Empire during World War I (1914–1918).

1922: Irish Free State Independence

In 1922, the Irish Free State secured substantial independence from Britain as a result of the Anglo-Irish War.

1940: Australian Catholic Church Leadership

From 1870 to 1940, the Australian Catholic Church was largely Irish-led.

1941: Robert Menzies' Visit to Ireland

In 1941, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies became the first Australian Prime Minister to visit Ireland and he met with Irish Taoiseach Éamon de Valera.

1946: Diplomatic Missions Opened

In 1946, both Australia and Ireland opened resident diplomatic missions in their respective capitals.

April 1948: Éamon de Valera's Tour to Australia

In April 1948, Éamon de Valera travelled to Australia for a six-week tour seeking support for a united Ireland.

1949: Irish Republic Declaration

In 1949, the Irish Free State was formally declared a republic.

1986: Australia Act

Australia achieved independence from Britain in stages, culminating with the last removal of legislative ties via the Australia Act of 1986.

2000: Irish Consulate-General Opens in Sydney

In 2000, Ireland opened a consulate-general in Sydney.

2016: Trade Between Australia and Ireland

In 2016, trade between Australia and Ireland totalled $2.4 billion Australian dollars. Australia exported approximately $71 million Australian dollars to Ireland with main exports including: medicaments, alcoholic beverages, sugar, molasses and honey and medical instruments. Ireland exported $2.384 billion Australian dollars' worth of goods to Australia with the main exports including: medicaments, manufactured articles, pharmaceutical products and computers.

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