Mayor welcomes special delegation to Kilkenny
The group made the long journey from Ulster to visit the Marble City
Mayor John Coonan hosted a delegation from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to Kilkenny on Thursday morning.
The group representing the Council which spans sections of north Derry and Antrim travelled down the country to take in experiences such as the Medieval Mile, Kilkenny Castle, historic cathedrals and hospitality.
Mayor Coonan spoke about how visits like these can shape how others see Kilkenny through word of mouth and cultural exchange while encouraging the group from Coleraine to connect with the people of Kilkenny and explore with curiosity.
The delegation was particularly interested in how Kilkenny tells its heritage story and heard from Anne Marie Hallinan of St Canice’s Cathedral and Valerie O’Sullivan from Rothe House who shared their lived experiences and insights.
The group also enquired about the popular Yulefest festival with organiser Marian Flannery joining the session to share her expertise and passion, offering a glimpse into some of the factors behind the festival’s success.
Tourism Officer Martina Comerford opened the session by outlining the work of the local authority in delivering exceptional tourism experiences and highlighting the contributions of the sector.
The Mayor extended his thanks to the visiting group for taking the time to make the journey and expressed his hope that their time in Kilkenny would be enjoyable and memorable.