Pictures/LCC: L-R: Pictured at County Hall, Dundalk, are David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; H.E. João Pedro Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal to Ireland; H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal; and Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council.
County Louth has welcomed the Irish Ambassador to Portugal and the Portuguese Ambassador to Ireland as part of a programme aimed at building stronger links between Louth and Portugal during Ireland’s EU Presidency.
H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal, and H.E. João Pedro Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal to Ireland, visited locations across Louth on Friday, 2nd October.
Their programme included stops in Carlingford, Dundalk, Dunleer and Drogheda, with discussions focusing on education, culture, heritage, tourism, community development and economic activity.
The visit formed part of the County-Country Pairing initiative linked to Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs from July to December 2026.
Drogheda visit
In Drogheda, the delegation visited St Peter’s Church, where they were welcomed by Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda Cllr Declan Power and Cllr Michelle Hall.
Local author Tommy Burns spoke to the visitors about the life of St Oliver Plunkett, his historical importance and his links with County Louth.
The ambassadors then visited Highlanes Gallery, where they were welcomed by Louth County Council Arts Officer Moya Hodgers and Gallery Director Aoife Ruane.
They toured the gallery and viewed Picturing the Border: 1921–2026, curated by Dr Orla Fitzpatrick, before hearing a performance from members of Music Generation’s harp ensemble.
L-R: Pictured at St Peter’s Church in Drogheda are Tommy Burns, local author; Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda; H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal; H.E. João Pedro Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal to Ireland; Cllr Michelle Hall; and Canon Eugene Sweeney, PP, VG.
‘Beginning of a relationship’
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Dolores Minogue said the visit was intended to lead to longer-term links between Louth and Portugal.
“Our pairing with Portugal is not intended to be limited to a single visit. It is the beginning of a relationship that we hope will lead to new connections and practical opportunities in education, culture, tourism, community development and other areas of shared interest,” she said.
“I look forward to seeing that partnership grow during Ireland’s EU Presidency and in the years ahead.”
Louth County Council’s wider EU Presidency programme, Legendary Together, was launched earlier this year and includes cultural and community events across the county, with Portugal identified as Louth’s official Presidency partner.
Schools, heritage and community projects
Earlier in the day, the ambassadors visited the Carlingford Lough Greenway, where they were briefed on the development of the cross-border walking and cycling route and its role in sustainable travel, recreation and tourism.
At Bush Post Primary School, they met students and staff to discuss Ireland, Portugal and the European Union.
Ambassador Ní Choigligh described the school visit as a highlight of the day.
“My personal highlight was speaking to students in Bush Post Primary School about Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the benefits of our EU membership,” she said.
The delegation also visited St Brigid’s Shrine at Faughart, where the historic link between Faughart and Lumiar in Lisbon was highlighted.
A relic associated with St Brigid has been venerated in Lumiar for centuries, creating a long-standing connection between Louth and Portugal.
H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal, and H.E. João Pedro Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal to Ireland, pictured with students and staff of Bush Post Primary School during their visit to the school.
Future cooperation
At County Hall in Dundalk, discussions focused on potential future cooperation in areas including education, tourism, culture, heritage, community development and economic activity.
The ambassadors also met members of Louth Disability Cycling Club at Dundalk Sports Centre and visited Dunleer Library, where they met pupils from Scoil Bhríde Lann Léire.
Ambassador Ní Choigligh said the county pairing initiative was intended to make Ireland’s EU Presidency more accessible to communities outside national institutions.
“Initiatives like this really show that European cooperation is about much more than institutions and legislation. It’s about people, communities, schools, businesses, cultural organisations, and local authorities working together and learning from one another,” she said.
Louth County Council said it will continue to explore further exchanges and projects with Portugal throughout Ireland’s EU Presidency and beyond.
L-R: Pictured at Dunleer Library are H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal; H.E. João Pedro Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal to Ireland; Paula Butterly TD; Cllr Jim Tenanty, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District; Cllr Pearse McGeough; Cllr Bernie Conlon; Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; and Amanda Branigan, County Librarian with Louth County Council.
