The much-feted Donegal Connect returns from September 22 to September 25, 2022.
It is part of the Global Irish Festival Series, a Fáilte Ireland and Department of Foreign Affairs initiative that aims to harness diaspora links for the benefit of local and community tourism in counties, along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Donegal Connect has a number of county wide collaborative events and projects to take place in September.
The festival focuses on ‘re-connecting’ with Donegal Diaspora to encourage a return home to explore why Donegal is a great place to live, work, invest, study and do business in.
The annual Global Irish Festival Series was initially launched in 2018 and provides funding and support for events that tap into international diaspora networks.
This year, the series returns after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.
The festival will offer visitors a diverse itinerary of food, genealogy, business, arts and culture.
Highlights include the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards and a spectacular carnival showcase against the stunning backdrop of the Inishowen peninsula, which will take place in Swan Park, Buncrana.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD said the Global Irish Festival Series is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the culture and heritage of Donegal, connecting with the diaspora network and providing visitors with a new and unique reason to visit.
“The Global Irish Festival Series will enable local communities to deepen their connections with visitors from around the world, increasing footfall for local businesses, supporting jobs and generating revenue,” she said.
Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy said he warmly welcomes the members who will be returning for the Global Irish Festival Series.
“Those with a connection to Donegal 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,” he said.
Speaking about the Global Irish Festival Series, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Festivals, Ciara Sugrue said they 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.
Cllr Liam Blaney, 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 later this month 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,” he said.
As a precursor to Donegal Connect, #LoveDonegal will take place on Thursday September 8.
The annual day of appreciation for all things Donegal this year focuses on the theme of art and creativity.
Whether at home or abroad, the people of Donegal are encouraged to get involved by and use the hashtag #LoveDonegal across social media.
For more information for Donegal Connect, Global Irish series of events, visit donegal.ie/donegalconnect and to book tickets for Tip O Neill Irish Diaspora Awards click here
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