Connemara to take centre stage as Estonian Ambassador visits Galway under EU initiative
Connemara is set as the focal point of the Estonian Ambassadors visit to Galway this week.
The Estonian Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Kairi Saar-Isop, will visit Galway on October 6 and 7.
The visit is part of a project called ‘Connemara’s Connection to Europe’, exploring similarities between Connemara and Estonia under Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council.
The project received funding through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Communicating Europe Initiative, which supports projects aimed at improving public understanding of the European Union and its role in everyday life.
The Ambassador’s visit represents a formal pairing of County Galway and Estonia.
Michael Owens, Director of Services for Rural and Community Development with Galway County Council said: “This initiative is about making the European dimension more visible at local level and showing how European cooperation can have a practical impact on communities in Connemara.”
“Issues such as climate action, coastal protection, education and rural development are not confined by national borders, and European programmes can play an important role in supporting communities as they respond to those challenges.”
The ambassador’s visit will begin at Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh with a traditional music reception and meetings with community representatives. A guided tour of the cultural centre and Pearse’s Cottage will be followed by a panel discussion on future collaboration between Connemara and Estonia. The delegation will then visit ATU Letterfrack.
On Wednesday, proceedings will begin at Údarás na Gaeltachta, where presentations will focus on the Connemara Gaeltacht’s links with Estonia and Europe.
The delegation will then travel to An Cheathrú Rua for a visit to An Crompán and a meeting with members of Comhairle na nÓg, followed by a visit to Aughnanure Castle to meet representatives of the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark.
The cultural programme will include an Irish-Estonian traditional music session at the Station House Theatre in Clifden, featuring musicians from Connemara and Estonia.
“Communities change and evolve, and Connemara is no exception,” Integration Support Coordinator with Galway County Council Jennifer Swannock said.
“People who have come here from other countries are now part of the social and cultural fabric of the area and creating opportunities for people to meet and participate in community life is an important part of integration.”
“There are clear similarities between Ireland and Estonia in the importance attached to language, heritage and cultural traditions, and this programme gives us a chance to explore those connections through music, conversation and shared experiences.”