Longford chosen for major EU cultural partnership with Hungary

A recent landmark visit to Longford by the Hungarian ambassador has placed the county at the heart of a new EU cultural partnership, launching a year-long programme of events, exchanges, and community collaboration across the county.

Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland, Gergely Bánhegyi, visited Longford County Council as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency community engagement programme.

The visit marked the formal launch of a year-long series of cultural events and collaborative projects linking Longford with Hungary. 

The pairing is one of 27 across Ireland, each matching an EU member state ambassador with their Irish counterpart and a host county. 

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Coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the initiative intends to “bring the EU Presidency to life in every community.”   

County Librarian Martina Needham has helped to shape a cultural programme that draws on the deep storytelling traditions shared by both Ireland and Hungary. 

Events planned for the coming year include a Rubik’s Cube tournament - which is a nod to Hungary’s most famous export - and a Haunted Forest Walk for Samháin, which is hoped to be developed in collaboration with schools and libraries subject to Creative Ireland funding. 

Further events are in development with community and civil society partners. 

Speaking about the new partnership following the visit, Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council, John Brannigan said Longford is exactly the kind of place where a partnership like this can thrive. 

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He said, “We sit at the heart of Ireland with a growing population, a town centre that is changing for the better, and a strong tradition of community action. We are ready to work with Hungary to build real links, encourage shared learning, and spark cultural experiences that people here will value for years to come. This visit marks the start of a relationship that will grow well beyond today.” 

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh added that, “Friendship between nations is not built in capitals or conference rooms. It is built in places like Longford, in libraries, in schools, in conversations between ordinary people. I look forward to seeing the connections that will grow from this partnership.” 

Embracing this new collaboration, the Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland, Gergely Bánhegyi said, “As Ambassador to Ireland I stand ready to support and advance this newfound partnership, that is forming with Ireland’s initiative to engage communities across the country during the upcoming EU Presidency."

He added, "I am also looking forward to the official joint visit to Longford with Ireland’s Ambassador to Budapest, Ragnar Almqvist. Our cooperation holds the potential of deepening the cultural and economic links between Hungary and Longford, for many years to come.” 

Further engagements are planned with schools, public libraries, local media, and sporting and civil society groups across the county throughout the year.

Funded be the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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