Athlone and Moate to host Africa Day 2026 events

Both Athlone and Moate will host events for Africa Day 2026, taking place from May 21 to May 30.

The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Neale Richmond TD, has launched the nationwide programme of events.

As part of Africa Day Westmeath, Tuar Ard Arts Centre in Moate will host 'Connections: Art, Family & Film!' from Thursday, May 21, to Saturday, May 23.

Athlone's Abbey Road Artists Studio will host 'Connections: Art, Family & Film!' on – Saturday, May 23, with Willow Park Football Club hosting the Africa Day 2026 Celebration Event Athlone on Saturday, May 30.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Neale Richmond, T.D. said: “Africa Day is an opportunity to promote the growing trade, political and cultural links between Ireland and countries across Africa. The potential for this relationship over the coming years is enormous. Trade between Ireland and countries across Africa stands at approximately €9 billion annually and is growing all the time. Ireland’s agri-food exports to Africa alone rose by 9% last year and are now worth almost €1 billion annually.

“Africa Day marks these growing connections between Ireland and countries across Africa. It celebrates the impact people in Ireland have had across Africa as well as the huge contribution people with African heritage make to our cities, towns and villages each and every day.

"I’m delighted to see so many of our local authorities host events across the country to help build knowledge and celebrate our links and its potential in the years ahead.”

Minister Richmond was joined at the launch by representatives of the African diaspora community in Ireland, including dancer Lapree Lala, and dance group Southside Moves at Royal Hospital Kilmainham.