Following on from the success of the inaugural To Be Irish At Christmas initiative last year, the programme returns again this December (8th – 23rd), celebrating what it means to be Irish and creating meaningful connections with our Irish diaspora around the world.
Devised by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the platform is an opportunity to showcase events globally that celebrate Irish culture around Christmas featuring seasonal traditions, community initiatives, crafts and more.
With invaluable input from Local Authorities, venues, organisations, shops and the Irish Diplomatic network, last year To Be Irish At Christmas involved over 200 events, as well as hundreds of personal stories shared by our diaspora community.
This year we are looking for more:
- Events: Organisers are inviting event registrations for the To Be Irish At Christmas 2021 programme. Events can be online content aimed at the Irish Diaspora overseas and/or in-person events aimed at the Irish Diaspora or visitors travelling to Ireland over the Christmas period. Those interested in being included can register here
- Gift ideas: To Be Irish at Christmas is also an important platform to promote Irish products and services at this important gifting season. The Gifting section on www.ToBeIrish.ie showcases beautiful Irish designed crafts and gifts for online sale. Gift shops and craftspeople interested in being featured should register here.
- Stories: Organisers are collecting Extraordinary Stories for To Be Irish at Christmas from Irish people around the world; from photographs and videos, poems and podcasts, individuals, families, and organisations are invited to contribute to an online, multimedia tapestry of what it means to be Irish at Christmas. Share your story here
The ‘To Be Irish At Christmas’ programme aims to reflect the diversity of contemporary Irish culture and is for everyone to enjoy; those born in Ireland, with ancestry in Ireland or those with a grá for Ireland. Targeting the 70M diaspora around the world, last year’s initiative generated engagement of people from over 50 countries across the world, from Australia to The Netherlands, from Columbia to Singapore.
The reopening of international travel brings renewed hope for those who have endured long and painful separations from families and friends, but there are still many who will not be able to travel. ‘To Be Irish’ wants to bring the very best of Ireland to them through this virtual portal.
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