Sligo County Council was honoured to welcome H.E. Jonas Grinevičius, Ambassador of Lithuania to Ireland, and H.E. Séadhna MacHugh, Ambassador of Ireland to Lithuania, to County Sligo for a special two-day visit on 23 and 24 September 2026, as part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union programme, under which County Sligo has been paired with Lithuania.
Ambassadors’ Visit Strengthens Ties Between Sligo and Lithuania
The visit formed part of a wider programme of activities designed to celebrate and strengthen international connections, promote cultural exchange, and foster greater understanding between communities in Ireland and Lithuania.
Throughout their visit, both Ambassadors experienced many aspects of life in County Sligo, meeting representatives from community organisations, education, enterprise, culture, tourism and youth development. The extensive itinerary included visits to:
- Sligo Centre for Independent Living, where they met service users and learned about the supports and facilities available;
- The Model, Sligo;
- Hawk's Rock Distillery;
- The CRIB Youth & Family Support Project;
- Scoil Ursula National School;
- Sligo Central Library and Europe Direct Centre;
- The Spanish Armada Visitor Centre in Grange.
The visit concluded on Thursday evening with a Civic Reception hosted by the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dara Mulvey, at City Hall.
Among those in attendance were Elected Members Cllr Seamus Kilgannon, Cllr Thomas Walsh, Cllr Marie Casserly, Cllr Edel McSharry and Cllr Donal Gilroy, alongside Emer Concannon, Deputy Chief Executive, and Brían Flynn, Director of Services, Sligo County Council.
Welcoming the Ambassadors, Cathaoirleach Cllr Dara Mulvey reflected on the significance of the visit and the growing relationship between County Sligo and Lithuania.
Speaking at the reception, he said:
"This evening marks the conclusion of what has been a very special two-day visit to County Sligo for both ambassadors. During their time here, they have experienced many aspects of life in our county, meeting people from across our communities and seeing first-hand the warmth, creativity and spirit that make Sligo such a special place.
We are delighted that County Sligo has been paired with Lithuania as part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union programme. While partnerships may begin through official initiatives, they are strengthened through personal connections, shared experiences and mutual understanding, all of which have been very evident throughout this visit.
Our guests have enjoyed a wonderful programme that has showcased many facets of County Sligo. From the outstanding work of the Sligo Centre for Independent Living and the CRIB Youth Project, to the creativity of The Model, the innovation of Hawk's Rock Distillery and the rich heritage of the Spanish Armada Visitor Centre, they have experienced first-hand the diversity and strength of our county and its people.
Europe is about far more than institutions and agreements. It is about communities learning from one another, building friendships and recognising that while our histories and traditions may be different, our aspirations are often the same.
As your visit comes to a close, I hope you will leave Sligo with many happy memories and the knowledge that you will always have friends here."
The Cathaoirleach also noted that the visit built upon relationships established earlier this year when both Ambassadors attended the launch of the W.B. Yeats exhibition at County Hall, an event that marked the beginning of County Sligo's programme associated with Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
A highlight of the evening was the participation of local students who shared their perspectives on European cooperation and cultural identity. Evan Yewlett from CIC Summerhill delivered a presentation on the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) programme, while Nedas Visniauskas spoke proudly about his Lithuanian heritage and connections to both countries. Clíodhna Donagher of Mercy College Sligo reflected on what Europe means to young people today and the opportunities it provides for future generations.
Guests also heard contributions from Liam Kiely, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Sligo, Tracy Ferguson, Economic Development Officer with LEO Sligo, and Aoife McElroy, Product Development Officer with Fáilte Ireland, who highlighted opportunities for collaboration, innovation and tourism development.
Both Ambassadors addressed the gathering, reflecting on the value of international partnership, cultural exchange and the strong connections that continue to develop between Ireland and Lithuania.
The evening concluded with a celebration of Irish culture through traditional music and dancing, providing a fitting finale to a visit that highlighted the importance of friendship, understanding and cooperation between nations.
