The Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke this week launched the inaugural Into the West Expo – a showcase of the magic of the West of Ireland which takes place over two days in the RDS next February.
Over 200 exhibitors, drawn from business, industry, leisure, education, crafts, arts, food and beverages and culture, will participate in the event under one roof on Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22.
Organisers say the exhibitors, drawn from Donegal to Kerry, represent the proud, innovative and dynamic face of a new West. The exhibition, expected to become an annual showcase, will also feature seminars and talks focusing on the links between Dublin and the West, with over 50 live events. The organisers expect over 20,000 people to visit the RDS over the weekend.
Dublin Lord Mayor, Christy Burke, said: “This is a great opportunity to underpin the links between Dublin and the West. For two days we will focus on the strengths of the West, on how the West is focusing on growth in an exciting global age and on valuing what is rich in our heritage and culture.”
“It also provides the many thousands of people in Dublin and its regions, who are proud of their Western roots, to see at first hand the many exciting and innovative business, industrial, education and cultural changes taking place among the rich tapestry of the counties that face the Atlantic,” he added.
Breandán Ó hEaghra, CEO West Expo, said: “We expect over 20,000 visitors for the two day event – not just those with roots along the Western seaboard but the many thousands of Dubliners who love the culture, arts and festivals of the region. This will be the West putting its best foot forward under the one roof. We expect to build on the inaugural event, making it an annual showcase.”
The event is organised by MeasMedia – a Galway Gaeltacht-based communications company - and is sponsored by Údarás na Gaeltachta, with support from the various enterprise units of the West as well as the Western Development Commission.
