From 6 to 9 August, the Irish community welcomed the Sardinian delegation for the project supported by the European Union’s CERV programme, with the assistance of Focus Europe ETS.
Two communities with the same name, rural roots and a strong connection to their local area met in Ireland to begin a shared process of European cooperation. The first event took place from 7 to 9 August 2026 in Ardara, County Donegal, as part of ARDARA² – Two Lands, One European Vision, the twinning project connecting the Municipality of Ardara in Sardinia with the Irish community of the same name.
Funded by the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values – CERV programme, the project is coordinated by the Municipality of Ardara, with Awake Tourism CLG as the associated partner in Ireland. Focus Europe ETS supported the development of the project and the connection between the two communities, assisting the Sardinian administration’s aim of turning the meeting between the two Ardaras into an opportunity for exchange and participation.
The official welcome on 7 August was attended by Mayor Francesco Dui, Gary Doherty, Chair of Donegal County Council, and Anthony Molloy, Chair of Glenties Municipal District. The meeting at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, with the involvement of Awake Tourism and Seán Cannon-Earley, opened the days of mutual discovery, which also included sharing products from Sardinia.
Particular attention was given to the young people in the Italian delegation. In statements made during the visit, Mayor Dui emphasised the value of their involvement for the future of the communities and the hope of building lasting cooperation based on solidarity and local development. The twinning thus offers a space in which to bring younger generations closer to the European dimension, starting from the concrete experience of meeting another community.
The programme enabled participants to discover aspects of local life and productive heritage. The delegation attended the Ardara Agriculture and Industrial Show and visited John Molloy Woollen Mills, watching a weaving demonstration, and Ardara Distillery. These activities complemented the institutional sessions, offering opportunities to meet organisations representative of the host area.
The significance of the project goes beyond the shared name. ARDARA² centres on intercultural dialogue, civic participation and recognition of a shared sense of belonging to Europe. Promoting local traditions and identities is presented as a starting point for getting to know one another, exchanging views and building relationships among citizens of different countries, rather than as a dividing element.
The first meeting also featured in Italian and Irish media. Alongside Mayor Francesco Dui’s interview on the community radio station Owenea FM, coverage included a report by Highland Radio with Seán Cannon-Earley, articles about the initiative and the sharing of images and accounts through the channels of the organisations involved.
Focus Europe ETS thanks the Municipality of Ardara and Mayor Francesco Dui for their confidence in the work undertaken to connect the two communities. Thanks also go to Awake Tourism CLG, Seán Cannon-Earley, the institutions of Donegal and the host community for their welcome, organisational cooperation and shared documentation.
The first event marks the beginning of a relationship that the project aims to consolidate through citizen involvement and continued exchanges. For the two Ardaras, the European process becomes an opportunity to follow up on the contacts established and build new possibilities for collaboration, starting from their respective communities.
Photo credits: Svetlana Sotnikova
