Global Irish Festival Series to attract diaspora home to Donegal this year
The Global Irish Festival Series, a Fáilte Ireland and Department of Foreign Affairs initiative, aims to harness diaspora links for the benefit of local and community tourism
The Global Irish Festival Series was officially launched internationally by the Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York on Wednesday, 20
th April. Attendance at the event included representatives from; Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Donegal County Council, County Associations, Tour Operators, Irish American Groups, Aer Lingus and key media.
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 with support from Tourism Ireland.
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 23
rd to 25
th 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.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD and Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, recently announced that the Global Irish Festival Series will take place along the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal, Mayo, Limerick and Kerry this year.
Cllr Jack Murray, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council said:
“It is fantastic to be part of the Global Irish Festival Series once again this year. We look forward to welcoming the Donegal diaspora back to enjoy the amazing programme of events planned for Donegal Connect. We are delighted to be offering not only a wonderful visitor experience but also the opportunity to work remotely and to connect with communities right across Donegal.”
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.