Irish language lessons, céilí dancing and a taste of Donegal whiskey were on the programme as Crolly Distillery welcomed a European Union delegation during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The visit on Wednesday, 23 September, was arranged through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of the first day of the delegation’s three-day stay in Donegal for an informal meeting of the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management, known as CivCom.
The wider event brought together 27 delegates representing all EU member states, along with the committee’s chair, for discussions on crisis response, human rights and governance from 23 to 25 September.
After checking into the Waterfront Hotel in Dungloe, the group came straight to Crolly Distillery. Two guided tours were organised to accommodate the visitors, introducing them to the distillery and its whiskey-making process.
Live music and a whiskey tasting followed, while an Irish language class gave delegates a chance to learn cúpla focal to take home. Céilí dancing lessons encouraged visitors to join in, with the Irish language and local heritage at the centre of the occasion.
Catherine Nic Grianna, of Crolly Distillery, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome the delegation to Croithlí and to be their first stop after checking into their hotel. We wanted them to feel at home here and enjoy a taste of life in the Donegal Gaeltacht.”
She continued: “There was a fantastic atmosphere. We split the group into two tours and afterwards came together for live music, whiskey tasting and céilí dancing lessons.
“We also had an Irish language class so they could learn a cúpla focal to bring home with them. Sharing our language is an important part of the welcome here. It was lovely to see people from across Europe taking part and enjoying the culture and heritage of this place.
“They really enjoyed the whiskey, too, and some took bottles home with them. For us, as always, the pleasure was in sharing the whole experience, from the tour to the music and the craic afterwards. Bhí an-spraoi againn.
“Go raibh míle maith agaibh as cuairt a thabhairt orainn.”
The distillery visit formed part of a wider programme highlighting the tourism and cultural experiences available in the Donegal Gaeltacht. The delegation’s working sessions took place at Atlantic Technological University in Letterkenny, with discussions covering policing and post-conflict resolution.
Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism CLG welcomed the opportunity to host the delegation and acknowledged the contribution of local hospitality and tourism partners to the visit.
