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Louth County Council launches ‘Legendary Together’ to mark Ireland’s EU Presidency

Louth County Council has officially launched ‘Legendary Together’, a dynamic cultural programme that will run across the county from July to December 2026 as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The programme was formally launched by Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue at a special opening event at the Oriel Centre, Dundalk.

Coordinated by Louth County Council in conjunction with Cultúr 2026, the national cultural programme for Ireland’s EU Presidency, Legendary Together will deliver a programme of events celebrating Louth’s rich heritage, creativity and community spirit, while fostering meaningful connections with Europe.

The opening event brought together civic leaders, cultural partners and representatives from across the community as well as distinguished guest, Mr. Henrique Sousa de Azevedo, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Portugal, marking the first formal engagement in Louth’s official EU Presidency partnership with Portugal.

Commenting on the programme, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:

“Legendary Together is a celebration of who we are as a county and how we connect with Europe and the wider world. Over the next six months, communities across Louth will come together to enjoy an inspiring programme of arts, culture and creativity that reflects both our local identity and our European partnerships. I encourage everyone, residents, visitors, families and community groups alike to get involved, attend events, and be part of this unique moment for Louth as we showcase our talent, heritage and welcoming spirit on a European stage.”

Ger Murphy, Director of Services with Louth County Council, added:

“This programme highlights the strength and diversity of Louth’s cultural sector and demonstrates the power of collaboration at local, national and European level. Through our partnership with Portugal and our engagement with Cultúr 2026, we are creating opportunities for artists, communities and audiences to connect, learn and exchange ideas. Legendary Together will leave a meaningful cultural legacy for the county.”

The six-month programme features a wide range of events and initiatives delivered in partnership with leading cultural organisations, artists, and community groups across Louth. The programme includes:

  • EU Retrospective Talks: Political broadcaster David McCullough will lead a series of talks in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee libraries, reflecting on Ireland’s 50-year membership of the European Union.
  • Highlanes Gallery Exhibitions: Picturing the Border, co-curated by Dr Orla Fitzpatrick and Aoife Ruane, explores artistic responses to the Irish border since 1922 and later in the year, the gallery will mark its 20th anniversary with Norah McGuinness: Pioneer, connecting historic and contemporary artistic practice and Ireland’s longstanding European artistic links.
  • Creative Workshops: Illustrator Tarsilas Kruse and writer Juliette Saumande will deliver EU Passport workshops for children and families while author Sadhbh Devlin will collaborate with schools across Louth to create works inspired by Irish mythology and ancient Iberian connections.
  • Festivals: An expanded Culture Night programme featuring themed events with Roe River Books, Lourdes Brass Band, and the opening of Boyne Tradfest.
  • Storytelling Sessions: A series of bilingual storytelling sessions with French-Irish storyteller Fiona Dowling in local libraries.

Other events in the programme include a food festival and a special closing celebration in December, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks with the programme expected to evolve throughout the EU Presidency period, with new events and details regularly updated.

For the full programme of events across the county visit CreateLouth.ie.

The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

From July to December 2026, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union – a central leadership role at the heart of EU decision-making.

For six months, Ireland will guide negotiations, broker agreement between Member States, and help deliver EU laws and policies that affect the daily lives of more than 450 million people.

This is the eighth time Ireland has held the rotating Presidency – a responsibility that reflects our enduring commitment to partnership, cooperation and progress in Europe.

Information on Ireland’s Presidency Programme, Policy Priorities and the full calendar of events taking place in Ireland and across Europe can be found on the official Irish Presidency website IRELAND2026.EU.

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Louth County Council has officially launched ‘Legendary Together’, a dynamic cultural programme that will run across the county from July to December 2026 as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.