With Ireland’s six-month presidency of the European Union having begun on July 1st, so came with it the beginning of the EU County Pairings initiative. All 26 counties were paired, by the Department of Foreign Affairs, with a country inside the European Union. The purpose of the initiative is to promote cultural exchange and economic ties, as well as establishing Ireland further in the wider European community.
It is through this initiative that County Roscommon has been paired with the nation of Slovenia. The new connection between the two regions was kicked off alongside the start of Ireland’s EU presidency with a commemorative raising of the flag of Europe at Áras an Chontae in Roscommon Town. The ceremony was led by Cathaoirleach Cllr Domnick Connolly, accompanied by County Librarian Sandra Turner.
The diplomatic exchanges continued on Monday, July 20th with the Slovenian Ambassador to Ireland, Matej Marn’s visit to Roscommon.
The new diplomatic bond is to be cemented further in the coming months with the start of County Roscommon’s participation in the ‘Cultúr 2026’ programme.
A series of 16 unique culture-themed community events have been organised, with the aim being to blend elements of both Irish, Slovenian and wider Europe’s lifestyle. The events are set to take place across Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Castlerea, Cootehall, Elphin, Keadue, Roscommon Town and Strokestown.
Some highlights of the scheduled events include ‘A Taste of Europe’, which will commence in John McGahern Barracks, Cootehall on August 8th at 2 pm. The event is set to be a day of food, storytelling and shared cultural traditions inspired by local and European culinary heritage and communities. A series of talks will invite attendees to reflect on the work of John McGahern and discuss how his themes of community, belonging and place resonate across cultures.
‘One Voice, One Europe’ in King House, Boyle on September 4th at 6 pm is an event organised by Úna Bhán Tourism with renowned Leitrim singer Charlie McGettigan, celebrating Irish songwriting and Ireland’s Eurovision legacy.
There is also the ‘Irish/Polish Collaboration of Music & Song’ which will be a celebration of musical heritage reimagined through the lens of Irish and Polish jazz and folk music. This will feature Irish musicians Simon Morgan and the Buckley Quartet, Cathy Jordan, and Polish musician, Emil Miszk. This will take place on September 26th at 6 pm in King House Boyle.
‘Strokestown’s Tradfest 2026’ will showcase its usual celebration of Irish traditional music and dance, as well as highlighting European folk traditions. The festival is scheduled to take place from October 9th-11th, across various venues around Strokestown.
The Roscommon International Film Festival’s ‘European Strand’ will be a section of the local film festival dedicated to showcasing European Cinema as well as Irish and Irish-Language films. The film festival is to take place in Roscommon Arts Centre from October 23rd-24th.
For ticket and further event information visit the Roscommon County Council website.
