The new general consulate of Ireland in Málaga is now operational following its inauguration this Friday at the Mimma museum, aimed at serving the growing Irish community on the Costa del Sol and strengthening ties with Andalucía.
Ireland now has a general consulate in Málaga. The office, inaugurated this Friday at the Mimma music museum, was established to serve Irish citizens residing in southern Spain and to deepen the relationship with Andalucía, as reported by Diario Sur. The event was presided over by the Irish ambassador to Spain, Brian Glynn, and the consul general, Marylee Wall, who welcomed local authorities.
Among the attendees were the mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre; the deputy government representative in Málaga, Javier Salas; and the vice president of the Provincial Council, Kika Caracuel, along with members of the consular corps and security forces. The inauguration featured traditional Irish music performed by a group based on the Costa del Sol, which played the anthems of both countries.
The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, sent a recorded video message in which she spoke of the "deep ties" between Ireland and Spain and expressed her desire to "strengthen the bonds" with the opening of this office. Ambassador Glynn described the decision as "a tangible expression of this historical and privileged relationship."
"It is also a response to the growing and permanent presence of Irish citizens in Andalucía and, especially, on the Costa del Sol," he added.
Glynn detailed that each year hundreds of thousands of Irish people visit the region, and many have acquired a second home or spend the winter months in the area. "An increasing number have made this their permanent home, actively contributing to the economic, social, and cultural life of the province and the region," he stated.
Consul general Marylee Wall provided a figure to illustrate the relationship: Spain received over three million visits from Ireland in 2025, a significant statistic considering the Irish population is around five and a half million. Wall highlighted the opportunities the consulate will offer to establish new connections and provide support to residents.
The deputy government representative in Málaga, Javier Salas, recalled the Irish legacy in the province, with examples such as Venta Galwey in the Montes de Málaga and the Botanical Garden of La Concepción, linked to the Livermore family. Mayor Francisco de la Torre and Vice President Kika Caracuel also emphasized the relationships between the Costa del Sol and Ireland.
In addition to consular assistance, the new consulate will have among its functions the promotion of Irish culture, a task that the ambassador announced would begin "starting from this very evening" with the musical performance.
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