National days provide an opportunity for members of the Houses of the Oireachtas to celebrate the friendships, shared histories and cultural ties that connect Ireland with countries across Europe. This year, celebrations in Hungary, Malta and Slovakia highlight their connections with Ireland.
Constitution Day
Slovakia’s Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the Slovak Constitution on 1 September 1992, then on 1 January 1993, the Slovak Republic became an independent state. Diplomatic relations between Ireland and Slovakia were established at that time, beginning a friendship that has continued to grow. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Embassy of Ireland in Bratislava in 2001, following the establishment of the Slovak Embassy in Dublin in 1998.
Slovakia joined the European Union on 1 May 2004, during one of Ireland’s presidencies of the Council of the European Union, reflecting a shared commitment to European cooperation.
Today, Irish Studies programmes are offered at Comenius University in Bratislava and Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, while Irish veterinary students continue to study at the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice. Direct air links have made Slovakia an increasingly popular destination for Irish visitors, and a vibrant Irish community has made its home there. Irish literature, music and dance remain popular, and the Slovak Shamrocks GAA Club in Bratislava helps promote Irish culture and sport.
Independence Day
On 21 September, Malta celebrates its National Day, which marks the moment the nation gained independence from the United Kingdom. Diplomatic relations were established in 1990, and our shared membership of the European Union and the United Nations has helped strengthen the connection over time.
Malta is a popular destination for Irish students participating in the Erasmus+ programme, with links between Maltese institutions and 18 Irish universities. A small but growing Irish community, alongside the Irish Embassy and the Irish Business Network, helps foster cultural and economic connections. The town of Floriana has a particularly strong link with Ireland, and its people may affectionately refer to themselves as *tal‑Irish*.
Foundation Day
On 20 August, Hungary celebrated its National Day, also known as Foundation Day, honouring Hungary's first king, Saint Stephen, who established the Hungarian state over 1,000 years ago.
This year is particularly significant in Irish‑Hungarian relations. It marks 35 years since Hungary opened its Embassy in Dublin, 50 years of diplomatic relations between our countries, and 70 years since Ireland welcomed Hungarian refugees who fled the 1956 Revolution. Today, around 10,000 Hungarians call Ireland home, contributing to communities nationwide, while many Irish people live, work and study in Hungary, strengthening ties between our nations.
These national days celebrate shared values, cultural connections and the contributions of the many Hungarians, Maltese and Slovaks who enrich Irish society today, while also recognising Ireland’s own growing communities abroad.