THE Global Irish Festival Series has been 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.
Attendance at the event included representatives from; Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Limerick City and 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.
Consulate of Ireland
New York
April 20, 2022
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 Limerick City and County Council on Global Limerick with an investment of €30,000.
Matching funding is being provided by Limerick City and County Council.
Taking place from 16 September to 31 October, Global Limerick will feature the world-famous Richard Harris International Film Festival celebrating the unique talent of Richard Harris in the city where he was born and raised and showcasing the work of young filmmakers from Ireland and across the world; and the Pigtown Food and Culture Series, inspired by Limerick’s world-renowned bacon industry, a three-week celebration of themed food and cultural events, tours and trails and the annual Pigtown Parade on the streets of Limerick.
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, today announced that the Global Irish Festival Series will take place along the Wild Atlantic Way in Limerick, Mayo, Donegal, and Kerry this year.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said: “It’s great to see the Global Irish Festival Series return this year with a fantastic line-up of events over the coming months showcasing the culture and heritage of each county.
“Festivals provide a unique reason for visitors to choose a destination, increasing footfall for local businesses and supporting jobs and revenue generation. The Global Irish Festival Series enables local communities to further build upon diaspora networks, deepen connections around the world and attract more visitors.” she revealed.
Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, said: “I warmly welcome the members of our Diaspora who will be returning for the Global Irish Festival Series. Those with a connection to Mayo, Donegal, Limerick, and Kerry will have a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with home and to rediscover the vibrancy of the Wild Atlantic Way. Through the Global Irish Festival Series, we will re-affirm our sense of solidarity and common identity and celebrate our shared culture and history.”
Speaking about the Global Irish Festival Series, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Festivals, Ciara Sugrue, said: “We are pleased to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs once again on the annual Global Irish Festival Series after a two-year hiatus.
“The festivals and events supported through the series will help drive tourism to specific locations, including regional areas outside of current hotspots, creating new economic benefits for local communities. This will be hugely important as we drive recovery across the tourism sector.” she said.
Alison Metcalfe, Executive Vice President Tourism Ireland, North America & Australia/ New Zealand, said: “Music, dance, and the arts are such fundamental parts of contemporary Irish culture and have gained huge popularity around the world. What better way to cement these great connections than encouraging travellers to embrace their Irish spirit and to visit Ireland as part of the Global Irish Festival series.
“The island of Ireland is open and ready to welcome visitors for the experience of a lifetime and Tourism Ireland is delighted to join with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs in encouraging people to ‘Press the Green Button’ and book your trip to Ireland now.” she explained.
Eileen Coleman, Senior Executive Officer, Tourism Department, Limerick City and 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 Limerick diaspora back to enjoy the amazing programme of events planned for Global Limerick.
“We have should a rich history and a wonderful and engaging diaspora around the world that we want to harness their enthusiasm and showcase Limerick for them to return and enjoy on holidays.” she added.
Further details on each county’s events will be announced by the festivals over the coming months. More information on Global Limerick will be available on www.limerick.ie.
