Irish ambassador Stephen Dawson’s tenure in Luxembourg (since October 2019) has been dominated by the covid pandemic, which makes him counscious of the very many places he still has to visit. 

An avid birdwatcher, Dawson enjoys exploring the countryside, finding a bench in the woods and letting the woodland birds get used to him. “It is peaceful and meditative, and the exact opposite of the social bustle of an ambassador’s life. Closest to home I do this in the woods around the military cemetaries in Sandweiler, places of sadness but also beauty and peacefulness.”

The professional diplomat has long been aware that Ireland and Luxembourg share similar values. And recent increase in trade and business links, for example in the financial and tech sectors, means that “recruitment companies now headhunt in both directions.” 

Curious to meet more Irish expats in the grand duchy? Of course, there are plenty of events on around St Patrick’s Day (17 March), but also check out the , and (cultural circle).