Mayo showcases community, culture and innovation during Dutch ambassador visit

Mayo showcased its cultural heritage, community spirit and innovation during a two-day visit by Dutch Ambassador Maaike van Koldam and Irish Ambassador to the Netherlands Ann Derwin this week, as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency County Pairing Initiative.

The ambassadors met local businesses, community organisations, young people and groups working in environmental conservation, renewable energy, arts and social farming.

The programme began at Áras an Chontae in Castlebar, where the delegation was welcomed by Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr John Caulfield, Chief Executive Kevin Kelly and council officials. Following the raising of the Dutch flag, they received presentations on Mayo’s economic development, tourism and cultural offering before meeting members of Mayo Comhairle na nÓg to discuss youth participation and local democracy.

Emphasis on environmental conservation and renewable energy

At Wild Nephin National Park, the ambassadors learned about biodiversity protection, climate resilience and the management of Ireland’s first designated wilderness area. They also met tourism and environmental stakeholders, including representatives of the Mulranny Decarbonising Zone Committee.

The delegation visited Kitepower in Bangor Erris and the Oweninny Visitor Centre and Wind Farm, Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm, where discussions focused on sustainable energy generation, community benefits and Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future.

Discovering Mayo heritage and businesses

A Mayo County Council dinner in Foxford brought the ambassadors together with elected members, the Dutch business community in Mayo, local stakeholders and community representatives.

On the second day, the delegation visited the Céide Fields to learn about the Neolithic landscape, heritage preservation and sustainable tourism. At the Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ballycastle, they met artists and viewed exhibitions and studio spaces, including links with Dutch artist residencies.

The programme concluded in Ballina with a visit to the Clarke Museum of Irish History and engagement with students from Moyne College and St Mary’s Secondary School. The ambassadors also met representatives of Social Farming Ireland.

Strengthening the Mayo-Dutch ties

A planned direct air route between Ireland West Airport and Groningen, expected to begin in April 2027, was announced during the visit by Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport. The service is expected to strengthen tourism, business and cultural links between Mayo and the Netherlands.

Welcoming the visit, Cllr Caulfield said Mayo was honoured to host the ambassadors during Ireland’s EU Presidency.

He said the programme highlighted the county’s communities, cultural heritage, innovative enterprises and landscapes, as well as the collaboration and ambition of its people.

“The County Pairing Initiative demonstrates the value of European cooperation and the strong relationships that exist between local communities across Europe,” he said.

Ambassador van Koldam said it was a privilege to visit Mayo alongside Ambassador Derwin.

“Mayo stands out not just for the extraordinary beauty of its landscape, but for the enormous potential of its people, as well as for the great hospitality which we enjoyed,” she said.

She also congratulated Mayo on bringing the Sam Maguire Cup back to the county.

Ambassador Derwin said the visit highlighted Mayo’s international connections, innovation and spirit of meitheal. She welcomed the planned Groningen air connection, saying it would strengthen tourism and people-to-people links while creating new opportunities for cultural exchange.

The visit strengthened Mayo’s relationship with the Netherlands and highlighted the potential of the planned air route as a lasting link between the two regions.