Lyla Lindsey
Austria and Ireland have a long history of cultural exchange and shared traditions. The first St. Patrick's Day celebration was held in Vienna in 1766, and the country is home to a significant number of Irish expatriates. The two countries also have linguistic links, with some linguists proposing that the standard low German greeting used in Bavaria and throughout Austria is of Irish origin. Irish monks are known to have spread their beliefs throughout the continent during the Hiberno-Scottish mission, founding monasteries in several countries, including Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Historical connections | St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Vienna in 1766 |
| Irish monks founded monasteries in Austria and spread their cultural and religious influence | |
| Irish-Austrian families, such as the Taaffe's, played significant roles in the Habsburg military and political life | |
| Emperor Francis I's appreciation for Irish officers in the Austrian service | |
| Language | The standard low German greeting in Bavaria and Austria, "Griass god!", is proposed to be of Irish origin |
| Expat community | InterNations Austria is a platform for Irish expats in Austria, offering events, activities, and networking opportunities |
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What You'll Learn
Irish monks in Austria
The connection between Ireland and Austria can be traced back to the early Christian period. During this time, Ireland had developed a profound Christian culture, while mainland Europe was still recovering from the fall of Rome and the turmoil caused by the Migration Period. Irish monks played a significant role in spreading their beliefs and establishing monasteries across the continent, including in Austria, as part of the famous Hiberno-Scottish mission.
The Hiberno-Scottish mission was a series of expeditions in the 6th and 7th centuries by Gaelic missionaries from Ireland, who aimed to spread Celtic Christianity in Scotland, Wales, England, and Merovingian France. These Gaelic missionaries founded monasteries and spread their religious influence, with Irish monks reported to be very ascetic. The local populations adopted their pious blessings, translating them into their own languages as salutations, a practice that continues to this day.
In the 8th and 9th centuries, these early missions were referred to as 'Celtic Christianity', with disputes arising over their relationship with Catholic Christianity. While Catholic sources claim they functioned under the Holy See, Protestant historians emphasize the conflicts between Celtic and Roman clergy. Nonetheless, there was a collective veneration of the Papacy.
Towards the end of the 11th century and into the 12th, Schottenklöster, monasteries intended exclusively for Irish monks, began to appear in Germany and Austria. One notable example was the Scots Monastery of St. Peter in Regensburg (also known as Ratisbon), established around 1090 by Burgrave Otto of Regensburg and his brother Henry.
Additionally, the abbey of Heiligenkreuz, or Stift Heiligenkreuz, located in the Vienna Woods, was founded in 1133 by Leopold III, a member of the Babenberg dynasty and a saint. This Cistercian monastery has been continuously occupied for over 900 years, making it the oldest Cistercian monastery in the world. Today, it remains a vibrant centre of monastic life, welcoming visitors and guests, and is known for its beautiful architecture and art.
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Irish-Austrian families
The Irish Austrian Society is a group that fosters connections between the two countries. It hosts an annual garden party and a German Language Essay competition for students and teachers. The latter was founded by Dr. Otto Glaser, who wanted to give back to the community by encouraging young Irish students to learn German. The competition has been running annually since 1997 and has seen hundreds of entries from numerous schools. The society also hosts a St. Nikolaus event for its younger members.
One notable Irish-Austrian family is the O'Donnells. Maximilian Karl Lamoral Graf O'Donnell von Tyrconnell was an Austrian officer and civil servant who became famous for saving the life of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. He was a descendant of the Irish noble dynasty of O'Donnell of Tyrconnell. He was born in Goldegg, the son of Count Maurice O'Donnell (Moritz Graf O'Donnell), a descendant of Conn Oge O'Donnell, and Christine, the legitimate daughter of Charles Joseph, Prince de Ligne. Maximilian O'Donnell already held a German Habsburg title of Count, granted to his great-grandfather. However, after rescuing the Emperor, he was honoured and made a Count of the Habsburg Austrian Empire (Reichsgraf). An error in the Letters Patent omitted one "n" from the family name, and since then, the Austrian O'Donnells have used "O'Donell" as the standard version of their surname.
The concept of nobility in Austria has a fascinating history. While it was officially abolished in 1919, with the fall of Austria-Hungary, noble families still hold a prominent place in Austrian society and media. The nobility law did not apply to artistic or stage names, and members of noble families often hold multiple citizenships. While the lower nobility found this step degrading, the higher nobility was able to maintain its social networks, manners, standing, and wealth. Certain families, like the Esterházy, Mayr-Melnhof, and Mautner-Markhof, are still among the richest in Austria, and members of the Austrian nobility often work in diplomacy, politics, business, or philanthropy.
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St. Patrick's Day in Vienna
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated widely in Vienna, Austria's capital and largest city. The Embassy of Ireland in Austria supports the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which takes place on the Saturday closest to March 17th, the actual date of St. Patrick's Day. The parade follows a set route through the city, with participants gathering outside Schottenkirche/Freyung after a recital and a Mass. The Embassy thanks the organisers, including the Austro-Irish Society, Shamrock Dance Company, and Vienna Gaels GAA, for their hard work in putting on this fantastic annual tradition.
In addition to the parade, there are numerous other events celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Vienna. The Long Hall, a pub, hosts a three-day festival from March 15th to 17th, featuring live music, traditional Irish food, Guinness, and a party atmosphere. The pub also hosted a 'Bloomsday Breakfast' in 2024 to celebrate Bloomsday, with songs from Irish tenor Richard Shaffrey. Another pub, Vienna Würstelstand, offers pints of green beer or Guinness and promises a night of singing and dancing. Zoku Vienna hosts a yearly St. Patrick's Day party on its rooftop in Prater Park, with green beer, music, and good vibes.
For those looking for a more active way to celebrate, there is a St. Patrick's Day pub crawl, starting at Dick Mack's Irish Pub and including four different pubs and bars, drinking games, dancing, and a club visit. There are also family-friendly activities, such as face painting and a live Irish dance performance by the Shamrock Dance Company Vienna. On the afternoon of St. Patrick's Day, there is a guided walk through the city, exploring the strong Irish cultural exchange with Vienna, led by Eugene Quinn from WHOOSH. A recital of Irish songs by mezzo-soprano singer Anne Marie Sheridan and pianist Elaine Loebenstein is another musical offering for the celebrations.
Outside of Vienna, the town of Siegharstkirchen in Lower Austria hosts its own St. Patrick's Day event, with food, drinks, live music, and a performance by the Irish Dance Company. The Embassy of Ireland in Austria also supports "Ireland Week," a programme of events celebrating all things Irish, including a GAA exhibition with the Vienna Gaels, theatre, and more Irish dancing.
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Irish expats in Austria
An Irish expat living in Austria can be a rewarding experience, offering a chance to explore a new culture and way of life. To make the most of your time abroad and ease the transition, it's beneficial to connect with other Irish expatriates and join a supportive community. InterNations Austria, established in 2007, is a trusted platform that caters to this need, facilitating networking and socialising among expatriates from Ireland and other nations.
InterNations has a substantial network of Irish expatriates across Austria, hailing from diverse corners of Ireland, including Cork, Dublin, and Limerick. This community serves as a valuable resource for guidance, camaraderie, and exploration. Whether you seek advice on bureaucratic matters or wish to indulge in familiar comforts like Irish food and conversation in your native tongue, InterNations can assist. Their forums provide insider tips, such as recommendations for Irish stew in Salzburg or babysitters fluent in Irish.
The organisation also hosts a variety of events and activities, ranging from intimate gatherings to savour traditional Austrian delicacies to grand celebrations in Vienna's finest venues. These occasions are ideal for mingling with fellow Irish expatriates and expatriates from other countries, fostering new connections and a sense of community. Additionally, InterNations organises excursions to renowned landmarks like the Neusiedler See in the rural Burgenland district and the Danube Valley, enabling you to discover Austria's beauty alongside like-minded individuals.
Through InterNations, Irish expatriates can conveniently connect with compatriots residing in various Austrian cities, including Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. This facilitates localised networking and the opportunity to delve into the unique characteristics of each area. By regularly socialising with fellow Irish expatriates, you can maintain a sense of familiarity while adapting to the Austrian way of life and mentality.
Whether you're contemplating a move to Austria or have already settled there, engaging with the Irish expatriate community through platforms like InterNations can greatly enhance your experience. It provides a platform to forge new friendships, gain valuable insights, and create memorable experiences as you navigate life in your adopted country.
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The Austrian greeting 'Griass god'
The phrase "Grüß Gott" is a common greeting in Austria and Southern Germany, specifically in the Upper German Sprachraum, including Bavaria, Franconia, Swabia, and South Tyrol. The greeting is derived from the phrase "grüß dich Gott" or "(may) God bless (you)", and is used to convey "God bless you" or "God greets". The verb "grüßen" in Middle High German means "to greet" and "to bless", preserving the original meaning of the greeting.
The pronunciation of "Grüß Gott" can vary across regions. In written form, it is often spelled with the "ß" character, which represents a sharp "s" sound that is not common in English. Some English speakers may pronounce it as "grass" with an "ss" sound, but the correct pronunciation is closer to "gruss gawt," with a slight buzzing "z" sound at the end of "Grüß".
In Austria, variations of the greeting include "griaß di" and "griaß eich," which are commonly heard in Bavaria as well. The standard German equivalent, "grüß dich," is also used, and it can be shortened to "grüß di". In Switzerland, the greeting "grüezi" is also descended from the same phrase.
"Grüß Gott" is a versatile greeting that can be used in various contexts, from deeply emotional to casual encounters. It is commonly used in Vienna, regardless of the establishment, and is considered the standard Austrian greeting. However, it is important to note that Austrian Mormons avoid using this greeting due to religious reasons.
While "Grüß Gott" is a widely-used greeting in Austria, there are other greetings that are also appropriate, such as "Servus," which is another distinctive Austrian greeting.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard greeting in Austria is "Griass god!", which translates to "Greet God!". This is thought to originate from Ireland, where historically "to greet" meant "to bless".
There are many historical links between the two countries. The first St Patrick's Day celebration was held in Vienna in 1766, hosted by the Irish-named Spanish ambassador to the Imperial Court, Count Demetrio O'Mahony. In addition, Irish monks founded monasteries in Austria as early as the 7th century, spreading their religious and cultural influence.
Yes, there are several notable individuals of Irish-Austrian descent. One example is Eduard Graf von Taaffe, 11th Viscount Taaffe, who served as prime minister of Austria-Hungary for two terms.
Yes, there is a significant number of Irish expatriates living in various parts of Austria, including Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. These communities provide opportunities for socializing and networking, helping Irish expats connect with one another and adapt to the Austrian way of life.
