Royal visit to Ireland strengthens UK/Irish relations
Their Royal Highnesses (TRH) The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will undertake their first official joint visit to Ireland
TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall
At the request of the British Government, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Ireland from 19 to 21 May 2015. They will then travel to Northern Ireland for a two day visit.
Both visits will recognize the warm friendship and close cooperation that exists between the UK and Ireland. Peace and Reconciliation is one of the main themes of the programme as well as heritage, community, conservation and innovation.
Their Royal Highnesses will continue to promote the UK’s relationship with Ireland through a variety of engagements.
TRH will attend a reception at the National University of Ireland Galway, where they will meet local people from all walks of life and celebrate Irish crafts, dancing and music.
The Prince of Wales will then highlight environment and conservation projects through two engagements. He will visit the Marine Institute, Ireland’s national agency responsible for marine research, technology, development and innovation and then the Burren in County Clare. The Burren has been farmed for nearly 6,000 years and is famous for its wild and rocky terrain, rare plant life, biodiversity and archaeology.
The Duchess of Cornwall will also undertake a series of solo engagements. She will meet teachers & students at Claddagh National School, visit the Druid Theatre in Galway and experience the renowned “Wild Atlantic Way” at The House Hotel, Galway.
Their Royal Highnesses with then attend a private dinner with President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Mrs Sabina.
On Wednesday, TRH will be welcomed to Sligo at a civic reception featuring performances of poetry and music. They will then attend a service of Peace and Reconciliation at St Columba’s Church, in Drumcliffe and visit the final resting place of the Irish poet, William Butler Yeats.
Their Royal Highnesses will also visit nearby Mullaghmore to meet members of the local community.
The day ends with a visit to the Sligo Races. The winner of the 2nd race will be presented with a specially-commissioned “The Duke & Duchess of Cornwall Mares Maiden Hurdle” trophy.
On Thursday morning TRH leave for Northern Ireland for a two day visit.
Follow #RoyalVisitIreland on Twitter