'Caretakers of our heritage' - Mayo farmers shine at Culture Week in China

A Mayo entrepreneur showcased their hospitality at the Second International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage in China.

Catherine O’Grady-Powers from Louisburgh presented products made in Mayo at the festival in Beijing, which saw 100,000 visitors: "It was absolutely amazing to be participants in a global event, and it coincided with the United Nations 80th anniversary, like the buzz and the whole atmosphere in Beijing was just phenomenal," explained O'Grady-Powers, speaking to The Mayo News after returning from China.

"I'm used to going to an event, it's usually in one venue. But this was a whole campus of different venues celebrating 61 countries worldwide, and we were so proud to be part of the Irish delegation."

Catherine and her husband Jim operate Glen Keen Farm in Louisburgh.

It's one of the largest sheep farms in Ireland. They diversified into agri-tourism, they have a visitor centre where they share cultural farm experiences with the visiting population. It all started during Covid-19 times in 2020, 2021:

"So when we had no visitors coming in, we pivoted and looked at what we could do, and we created a single multi-Irish whisky in partnership with the Great Northern Distillery, and we also created a cream liqueur, all branded with the Glen Keen Estate brands."

Over the last seven, eight years, O’Grady-Powers and her husband have been fostering ever growing business ties to China.

It all culminated in the Glen Keen Farm being included in the Irish delegation which showcased the country's music, craft, and County Mayo’s warm hospitality at this recent event week: "Firstly, Chinese people were very impressed that a small country like Ireland, so far away, came out to present our country and our place and our destination and our products to them," said O'Grady-Powers.

"They were very impressed with that effort, and they were so welcoming. There was such a warm welcome there. They were very curious."

Catherine O'Grady-Powers highlighted the region’s outstanding accommodation — from the serene Delphi Estate and Fishing Lodge, where King Charles once stayed, to the historic Ashford Castle, ancestral home of the Guinness family.

She also noted Westport House Estate’s timeless charm and the forthcoming Grace Hotel, a new five-star property set to open in spring 2026, further enhancing Mayo’s reputation for high-end travel experiences.

"Where we have our farm, it's designated by the European Union as a special area of conservation, for its pristine habitats and heritage, so really we see ourselves as caretakers of our heritage, our land, and we wanted to share that, and this amazing platform that has been given to us in one of the biggest countries, one of the most powerful countries in the world, was just a phenomenal experience for me," stated O'Grady-Powers. 

Ireland emerged as one of the most admired international participants — weaving music, tradition, and storytelling into a celebration that deepened cross-cultural understanding between China and Ireland.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Beijing Municipal Government, the event drew more than 100,000 visitors and over 500 media outlets. Within this global gathering, the Ireland China Culture and Tourism Association (ICCTA) led an outstanding Irish delegation whose performances and presentations captured the imagination of audiences and dignitaries alike.

The week’s highlight came at Beijing’s prestigious Chang’an Club, where the ICCTA hosted “Encountering Ireland: A Dialogue on Legacy and Opportunity.”

Nearly 80 guests, including diplomats, government officials and international cultural figures, enjoyed a vibrant evening of Irish music, poetry, sport and craftsmanship.

A moving moment saw 13-year-old Setanta McCarthy perform “Danny Boy” on the Chinese erhu alongside Irish instruments — a powerful symbol of cultural harmony.

Alongside the evening’s performances, guests enjoyed an elaborate display of Irish-themed cuisine and exquisite desserts, complemented by a Whiskey Tasting Experience presented by Glen Keen Estate and Teeling Whiskey.

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