Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Donegal T.D., Charlie McConalogue, welcomed the announcement that the Global Irish Festival Series will take place along the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal, Mayo, Limerick and Kerry this year.
A joint initiative between Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Global Irish Festival Series aims to encourage diaspora to return home to visit Ireland and provides funding and support, through Local Authorities, for events that tap into international diaspora networks.
Commenting on the news, Minister McConalogue said “It is tremendous news that the Wild Atlantic Way and specifically Donegal will be put front and centre for our massive Irish diaspora this year and it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty and culture of our great county. The carnival showcase planned for Inishowen promises to be a standout highlight for the festival this year. I look forward to welcoming people from near and far to visit Donegal and I commend the Donegal Connect team and the team at Failte Ireland Donegal and Donegal County Council for making this happen.”
The annual Global Irish Festival Series was initially launched in 2018. This year, the series returns after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and is once again supporting Donegal County Council on Donegal Connect with an investment of €20,000. Taking place from 23rd to 25th September, the festival will offer visitors a diverse itinerary of food, genealogy, sport, business, arts and culture. Highlights include the Tipp O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards and a spectacular carnival showcase against the stunning backdrop of the Inishowen peninsula.
Further details on each county’s events will be announced by the festivals over the coming months. More information on Donegal Connect will be available on www.donegal.ie.
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