Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, and the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, have today (January 16) announced details of a pairing system for Irish counties which will see them host events for member states throughout the upcoming Irish EU Presidency.

During the EU Presidency term, between July and December 2026, Ambassadors of EU member states in Ireland, accompanied by the Irish Ambassador in the relevant EU member state capital, will visit counties across Ireland.

They will undertake a programme of public engagements focused on Ireland’s European relations and its role in the European Union.

Each county in the state will be 'paired' with a specific member state of the EU for the period of the presidency.

In each county in the state, the Ambassadors will participate in a range of public events, including talks at local libraries and visits to schools, as well as engaging with local authorities and local communities through sporting, community, youth and civil society organisations.

EU presidency

The visits are aimed at strengthening links between counties across Ireland and other EU member states, and to building Ireland’s relationship with its EU partners.

Announcing the initiative, Minister McEntee said: “Our EU Presidency will be a very significant undertaking for Ireland, and one in which the whole country will participate.

"The Presidency will allow us to showcase the best of Ireland to our partners from all across Europe. It’s also an opportunity for us to reflect on what our European relationships mean, and the advantages as well as the responsibilities of our EU membership.

"It will also help to promote a national conversation on the importance of our EU membership and our European relationships, against the background of a challenging global environment," Minister McEntee added.

The foreign affairs minister said it was her goal to ensure that involvement would not be limited to only large cities or certain parts of the country.

Announcing the initiative, Minister Byrne said: “Since last year, I have visited villages, towns and cities across Ireland, to talk with people about the importance of our EU membership and the role that Ireland will play during our EU Presidency.

"I know this initiative will help to build on that interest and deepen the relationships communities across the country have with our European partners.”

The programme of visits by Ambassadors will commence in July 2026, following the opening of Ireland’s EU Presidency term. 

Details of the pairings between counties and other EU member states for the purposes of this outreach initiative are in the table below.