Discover the unexpected Irish roots of Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife

Tenerife has a deep and intriguing connection to Ireland that few discover when visiting the island

There is also a strong link between our country and Tenerife, where Irish traders established themselves as far back as the 17th century.

Ireland has long had a love affair with Spain, and one of the most frequented hotspots is the Canary Islands, famed for its year-round sunshine and relaxed holiday vibe. But for some parts of the country, the connection runs a lot deeper — with shared roots between Ireland and Galicia going back centuries. There is also a strong link between our country and Tenerife, where Irish traders established themselves as far back as the 17th century.

I discovered this fascinating link when I arrived on the island last month, and instead of staying in the touristy south, headed north to the small town of Puerto de la Cruz.