Global Irish Festival Series to attract diaspora home to Mayo
THE Global Irish Festival Series was officially launched internationally by the Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York.
Attendance at the event included representatives from Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, 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 the 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 series was initially launched in 2018, supporting events in Donegal and Limerick. This year, it will also support Mayo County Council on Home to Mayo, which takes place from May 1 to 31, with an investment of €100,000.
Incorporating a number of existing festivals, Home to Mayo will celebrate Mayo’s rich history and natural heritage.
Highlights include the award-winning Mayo Manchester Tradfest, a week-long celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance, featuring over 100 performers and multiple events in major towns across the county. Visitors will also have the chance to trace their family history though the Mayo Genealogy Festival, Celebrating and Finding our Mayo Roots.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and Minister Brophy, have announced that the Global Irish Festival Series will take place along the Wild Atlantic Way in Mayo, Donegal, Kerry and Limerick this year.
Minister Brophy said 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.
He commented: “Through the Global Irish Festival Series, we will re-affirm our sense of solidarity and common identity and celebrate our shared culture and history.”
Fáilte Ireland’s head of festivals, Ciara Sugrue, said 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.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Michael Smyth, said: “It is fantastic to be part of the Global Irish Festival Series this year. We look forward to welcoming the Mayo diaspora back to enjoy the amazing programme of events planned for Home to Mayo.”
Further details on each county’s events will be announced by the festivals over the coming months.