From 1 July to 31 December 2026, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), a significant leadership role at the centre of EU decision-making. During this six-month period, Ireland will chair Council meetings, facilitate negotiations, build consensus among Member States, and help advance EU legislation and policies that impact the daily lives of more than 450 million citizens across Europe.
As part of Ireland’s EU Presidency programme, each county in the Republic of Ireland has been paired with an EU Member State, creating opportunities to develop meaningful local connections, strengthen community engagement, and foster lasting partnerships throughout Europe.
Monaghan has been paired with Finland for the duration of the Presidency. In preparation for this partnership, representatives from Monaghan County Council and the Embassy of Finland in Ireland have been working together to develop a programme of activities that will showcase Monaghan, promote Ireland’s Presidency, and strengthen cultural, educational, community, and business links between the two partners.
The programme will incorporate a diverse range of public events, exhibitions, discussions, and cultural exchanges designed to celebrate shared values, encourage collaboration, and deepen understanding between the people of Monaghan and Finland.
Both partners look forward to establishing a successful and enduring relationship that will create lasting benefits for their communities and contribute to stronger connections between Ireland and Finland long after the conclusion of Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Programme of Events
Please find the full programme of events here: EU Presidency Programme Brochure
Programme at a Glance
- Moomins in Monaghan (July to December)
Family-friendly exhibitions, storytelling, creative workshops, trails, music, film and reading activities inspired by Finland’s beloved Moomin stories.
- Muckno Mania: Fiesta not Siesta! (10th to 12th July)
A vibrant celebration of Irish and Spanish culture featuring music, dance, food, street performances and cultural exchange.
- Scenic Sessions 2026 (July to October)
Live music performances by leading and emerging artists in spectacular outdoor locations across County Monaghan.
- Read Your Way Around Europe (July to December)
A countywide library reading challenge inviting readers to discover fiction from all 27 EU Member States.
- Culture Night 2026 (18th September)
A special programme featuring Finnish artists, storytellers, musicians and creatives as part of Monaghan’s partnership with Finland.
- Drumlin Storytelling Festival (18th – 20th September)
A celebration of the oral storytelling tradition through performances, walks, family events and guest storytellers from Ireland and Finland.
- From Forests to Drumlins: A Finnish-Monaghan Cultural Weekend (18th to 21st September)
A four-day programme exploring culture, creativity, democracy, innovation and community connections between Monaghan and Finland.
- My Voice Youth Democracy Workshops
Our visiting ambassadors will participate in interactive workshops encouraging young people to engage with democracy, citizenship and civic participation.
- Enterprise and Innovation Visits
The Ambassadors will visit a number of business, innovation and enterprise which will showcase links between Ireland and Finland.
- Civic Reception: Celebrating Friendship, Culture and Innovation
A special event recognising the strong cultural and civic connections between Ireland and Finland.
- Building Sustainable Peace in a Digitally Transformed World (Monday 21st September)
An international peace seminar exploring democracy, peacebuilding, technology and civic participation.
Monaghan County Council in partnership with the Embassy of Finland, John and Pat Hume Foundation and Glencree Foundation.
This seminar forms part of Monaghan County Council’s EU Presidency Programme 2026 and is funded through the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Communicating Europe Initiative.
The Peace Campus will host a special seminar to mark the International Day of Peace, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, educators, cultural leaders, community organisations and young people to explore the role of peacebuilding in contemporary society.
As conflict, misinformation, technological disruption and political polarisation reshape societies worldwide, new approaches to peacebuilding are required. The seminar will reflect on the Northern Ireland process and learnings, examine the role of the European Union and its member states, including Finland’s internationally recognised contributions to mediation, education and conflict resolution, in promoting sustainable peace.
The seminar will include a panel discussion of the role of Women in peacebuilding, politics and barriers to women’s participation in politics and public life. Women continue to be underrepresented in peace negotiations and political decision-making despite evidence that their participation contributes to more sustainable peace agreements.
Panel 1
Peacebuilding in Practice: The Northern Ireland Experience, Finland’s Role, and the European Dimension
Panel 2
From Screens to Systems: Women Shaping Peace and Politics in a Digital World
Booking is required https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/building-sustainable-peace-in-a-digitally-transformed-world-peace-seminar-tickets-1998377434702?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Kavanagh and the Beats (25th to 27th September)
A unique literary festival exploring Patrick Kavanagh’s connection to the Beat Generation through poetry, music and performance.
- Clones Film Festival (22nd to 25th October)
A celebration of European cinema featuring screenings, discussions, educational events and visiting filmmakers.
- Tradoodle Festival for Children (5 to 8 November)
Ireland’s traditional arts festival for children and families featuring music, storytelling, dance, theatre and special guests from Finland.