Ardara Twinning Project brings Sardinia to Donegal

From August 6 to 9, the delegation of the Municipality of Ardara, Sardinia, will travel to Ardara for the first European twinning event

The Municipality of Ardara, Sardinia, will be in Ireland for the first event of the European project ARDARA² – Two Lands, One European Vision.

The project is coordinated by the Municipality of Ardara, Sardinia, with Awake Tourism CLG, a community organisation based in Ardara, County Donegal, Ireland, acting as associated partner.

The project is built on a unique and symbolic connection: two small European communities, both called Ardara, one in Sardinia and one in Ireland, geographically distant but united by the willingness to build a shared path of cooperation.

The first twinning event will take place in Ardara, Ireland, where the main project activities will be held from 7 to 9 August 2026.

The initiative aims to involve citizens, young people, institutional representatives, associations and local communities in a process of exchange and dialogue. The objective is to strengthen European awareness in rural and peripheral areas, promoting dialogue between cultures, languages, traditions and visions for the future of Europe.

Planned activities include attendance at the Ardara Agriculture and Industrial Show 2026, a visit to the John Molloy Factory with a weaving demonstration, a visit to Ardara Distillery, moments of discussion at Heritage Centre Ardara, the possible involvement of an interview on local community radio station Owenea FM, as well as visits to representative local sites such as Assaranca Waterfall and Glengesh mountain pass.

The delegation of the Municipality of Ardara will be led by Mayor Dr. Francesco Dui and will include institutional and technical representatives of the Municipality, including Deputy Mayor Massimiliano Foe, Municipal Councillor Rossano Baracca, President of the Ardara Town Council Dr. Cristina Zoroddu, Project Manager of the Municipality of Ardara Architect Dario Seddaiu, and Project Manager and Interpreter Architect Lorenzo Calares.

Citizens and young people selected by the Municipality of Ardara will also take part in the mission, experiencing the twinning directly and representing the Sardinian community in the exchange with the Irish community.

On the Irish side, the welcome will be coordinated by Awake Tourism CLG and the community of Ardara, Donegal. A central role will be played by Sean Cannon Earley, Vice Chair of Awake Tourism CLG, who, together with representatives of the local community, is coordinating the welcome and the activities on the ground. The following representatives will also be involved: Conor Classon, Director; Hugh Boyle, Director; Michael Molloy, Director; Thomas McWhinney, Director; Lauren McHugh, Member; Aidan McHugh, Member; and Emma Kennedy, Member.

Mayor Dr. Francesco Dui says: “This project represents an important opportunity for Ardara to open itself to Europe, starting from its own identity,

“The link with Ardara, Donegal, begins with a shared name, but it can become much more: a stable relationship between communities, citizens, young people and institutions. We want this experience to be the beginning of lasting cooperation, capable of generating new cultural, social and project opportunities.”

The event will also be an opportunity to enhance Sardinian and Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, bringing into dialogue two communities that share similar dimensions, rural roots and a strong local identity.

The public project profile is available on the European Commission Funding & Tenders Portal.