The Ireland Fellows Programme was delighted to bring together the 2021/22 Ireland Fellows from all over the country in Dublin city to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Over 130 fellows travelled from Cork, Sligo, Carlow and beyond to Bow Lane Social Club on 15 March for a night of dancing, food, drinks and fun. 

This was the first time an in-person event has been possible since the global pandemic of Covid-19 hit Ireland in early 2020. It was a much-anticipated opportunity for fellows to meet each other and for staff to meet the fellows we have been working with all year. Fellows from all over the world came together in Dubin, decked out in their own traditional dress, Ireland jerseys, and green attire. Attendees were welcomed by Liz Keogh, Deputy Director of the Global Programmes and Global Citizenship Education Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Laura Harmon, Executive Director of ICOS.  

Guests on the night were serenaded with traditional Irish music from Bardoi, and were taught how to céilí dance. The fellows danced the night away and enjoyed making new friends and connections throughout the night.  

Here is what some fellows had to say about the event:

"It was amazing! Meeting you the ICOS team and many fellows I'd not meet. It's an exciting experience [...] It was the best interaction and seeing a diverse culture in one place."

"[...] I felt sense of belonging and was able to chat with colleagues from other countries. What a great St. Patrick's day! May this initiative continue with other fellows who will join Ireland in the future."

A big thank you to all the Fellows for attending and for making it such a fun evening!