Kilkenny Chamber proudly hosted a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Tuesday evening, highlighting the city’s vibrant tourism, transport, and cultural sectors. The visit was led by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, MEP for Ireland South, who arranged for members of the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee to experience firsthand what Kilkenny has to offer. The event formed part of their wider constituency visit to the region. Scroll down to read more and click the arrows to see more photographs, thanks to photographer Vicky Comerford. Welcoming the delegation were Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr. John Coonan, and Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh. Also in attendance were representatives from the Kilkenny Arts Festival, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), Kilkenny Tourism, Chamber Board members, and local transport industry stakeholders.  The evening began with a guided tour of the renowned Butler Gallery, followed by a visit to Sullivan’s Tap Room, where guests previewed the soon-to-open brewery. Local historian and guide Nevin Cody of 'Shenanigans Walks' then led the group through the city’s historic sites, en route to the Pembroke Hotel, where dinner was served. The evening concluded with a stirring performance by the Lady Desart Choir, showcasing Kilkenny’s rich cultural talent. Before departing on Wednesday morning, the delegation met with Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, who delivered an insightful presentation on the Local Link rural transport initiative.  Speaking after the event, Kilkenny Chamber CEO, John Hurley, noted: “This visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strength of Kilkenny’s tourism and transport sectors to key European decision-makers. We are delighted to have welcomed our guests and shared with them the innovation and charm that define Kilkenny.”placeholder image
Kilkenny Chamber proudly hosted a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Tuesday evening, highlighting the city’s vibrant tourism, transport, and cultural sectors. The visit was led by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, MEP for Ireland South, who arranged for members of the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee to experience firsthand what Kilkenny has to offer. The event formed part of their wider constituency visit to the region. Scroll down to read more and click the arrows to see more photographs, thanks to photographer Vicky Comerford. Welcoming the delegation were Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr. John Coonan, and Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh. Also in attendance were representatives from the Kilkenny Arts Festival, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), Kilkenny Tourism, Chamber Board members, and local transport industry stakeholders.  The evening began with a guided tour of the renowned Butler Gallery, followed by a visit to Sullivan’s Tap Room, where guests previewed the soon-to-open brewery. Local historian and guide Nevin Cody of 'Shenanigans Walks' then led the group through the city’s historic sites, en route to the Pembroke Hotel, where dinner was served. The evening concluded with a stirring performance by the Lady Desart Choir, showcasing Kilkenny’s rich cultural talent. Before departing on Wednesday morning, the delegation met with Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, who delivered an insightful presentation on the Local Link rural transport initiative.  Speaking after the event, Kilkenny Chamber CEO, John Hurley, noted: “This visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strength of Kilkenny’s tourism and transport sectors to key European decision-makers. We are delighted to have welcomed our guests and shared with them the innovation and charm that define Kilkenny.”

Kilkenny 'Shenanigans' for high level MEP tourism delegation!

Sian Moloughney
By Sian Moloughney

Reporter

Published 25th Jul 2025, 12:17 GMT

European group visited Kilkenny and South East with Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP

The high-level delegation of MEPs focussed on identifying the South East’s key challenges and opportunities for sustainable transport and tourism. Delegates met various government ministers, TDs and sectoral stakeholders. Local businesses and key infrastructure projects were on the itinerary, along with Kilkenny's O’Sullivans taproom and brewing company were Rosslare Europort, Roche freight Ireland’s HQ in Wexford and the Navan Rail line project. According to Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, it is a key opportunity to showcase Kilkenny, Carlow and the Wexford and Waterford areas to make a pitch for increased levels of funding for transport and tourism projects in the Southeast. The delegation also carried out on-site visits to key EU-funded infrastructure projects.

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The high-level delegation of MEPs focussed on identifying the South East’s key challenges and opportunities for sustainable transport and tourism. Delegates met various government ministers, TDs and sectoral stakeholders. Local businesses and key infrastructure projects were on the itinerary, along with Kilkenny's O’Sullivans taproom and brewing company were Rosslare Europort, Roche freight Ireland’s HQ in Wexford and the Navan Rail line project. According to Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, it is a key opportunity to showcase Kilkenny, Carlow and the Wexford and Waterford areas to make a pitch for increased levels of funding for transport and tourism projects in the Southeast. The delegation also carried out on-site visits to key EU-funded infrastructure projects.

Enjoying the visit to Sullivan's Taproom were Kilkenny Chamber CEO John Hurley, Nora Kovacheva, Gareth Alcorn, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP and Roisin McQuillan. All pictures: Vicky Comerford

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Enjoying the visit to Sullivan's Taproom were Kilkenny Chamber CEO John Hurley, Nora Kovacheva, Gareth Alcorn, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP and Roisin McQuillan. All pictures: Vicky Comerford

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Related topics:European ParliamentTourismKilkenny Chamber
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