Victims from 34 countries were killed or injured in the Spain terror attacks, a Spanish ambassador said.
Jose Maria Rodriguez Coso heads the diplomatic presence in Ireland.
He said injuries to Irish holidaymakers from the attacks were not as serious as some, but added the multiple nationalities of those caught up in the violence showed its global nature.
“They are trying to strike against the core of our way of living, our way of living and enjoying life.
“That is why we need the strength and the help of friends like Ireland to continue our job.
“Because terror will not prevail, we will continue to live our lives, we will continue receiving guests and doing our job as we did in the past even in the worst of moments.”
Almost two million Irish visitors are expected in Spain this year.
The ambassador said the Irish shared his compatriots’ traits of strength and endurance against adversity.
“It is another element of cultural community, very difficult pasts sometimes … make you stronger.
“I think that is one of the reasons we have done so well, because we have lots of very strong character.”
Many Spaniards come to Ireland to work or attend university.
The diplomat added: “There is a very strong movement amongst both countries and that is natural.
“Most of the Irish know Spain or have been there at least once in their lives.”
