Ever since the Irish monks Kilian, Kolonat and Totnan proselytised Franconia around 686 AD, Würzburg has been considered ‘the Irish city on the continent.’ Today, manifold activities keep the close connection between the city and the Emerald Isle alive. Hence, it stands to reason that the University of Würzburg (JMU) is engaged in the study of the literature, language, history and culture of the island of Ireland and the Irish diaspora. Irish Studies Würzburg (ISWÜ) is a cooperation under the umbrella of the European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies (EFACIS), which unites the major national professional associations in the field of Irish Studies as well as about 50 academic centres in over 25 European countries. ISWÜ offers opportunities for cooperation and international dialogue to scholars, PhD students, students of English, non-academic circles, and all those interested in Irish issues. We are also involved in the organisation of cultural events such as the ‘Irish Itinerary.’
