CLARE County Council hosted the official flag raising and reception at Áras Contae an Chláir on Wednesday to mark Ireland’s hosting of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and County Clare’s pairing with Croatia.
The event was attended by H.E. Davor Vidiš, Ambassador of Croatia to Ireland; H.E. Wendy Dorman-Smith, Ambassador of Ireland to Croatia; elected members; representatives of Clare County Council; and invited guests.
Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1 to December 31, 2026. Every county in Ireland has been paired with an EU Member State as part of the national public engagement programme for the Presidency. County Clare has been paired with Croatia, which the council states will contribute to “creating opportunities to build local links through culture, community engagement and shared European connections”.
Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Killeen said, “This pairing with Croatia is an opportunity for County Clare to play its part in Ireland’s EU Presidency in a meaningful and local way”.
“It allows us to welcome our European partners to Clare, to share our culture, landscape and community life, and to learn more about the traditions and people of Croatia. Today’s reception marks the start of a relationship that we hope will continue to grow through schools, libraries, community groups, cultural organisations and civic life across the county”, he continued.
“There are many things that unite us despite us being situated in different parts of Europe, be it natural or cultural heritage. I look forward to the rich programme that awaits us during the next several months. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other even better and strengthen bonds between us”, Ambassador of Croatia to Ireland, H.E. Davor Vidi added.
Today’s flag raising and reception marked the beginning of a series of local activities designed to bring Ireland’s EU Presidency into communities across Clare and to strengthen understanding between Clare and Croatia.
The Clare – Croatia programme, planned through Clare County Council’s Arts Office, Library Service and Burren Geopark, will explore connections through storytelling, heritage, music, landscape and food. Planned activity includes engagement with schools and libraries, as well as links with the Púca Storytelling Festival, Burren Winterage Weekend and Ennis Trad Festival.
Ambassador of Ireland to Croatia, H.E. Wendy Dorman-Smith said at the event, “In showcasing the best of Ireland and reflecting on what our European relationships mean, we look forward to highlighting County Clare’s thriving culture, innovation and people, which mirror the vibrancy of its flora and fauna alike”.
“With far more than breathtaking coastlines in common, this cultural exchange between Clare and Croatia builds on our shared appreciation of music, tradition and community, and reflects a strong bilateral relationship that I am delighted to celebrate”, she continued.
The event programme is supported by a €42,000 Culture Ireland grant and a €10,000 Communicating Europe grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Cultural programme will highlight shared traditions, including community, hospitality, farming heritage, music and folklore, alongside the distinctive karst landscapes found in both Clare and Croatia.
