Ireland and Poland Pair Donegal for EU Presidency Program

Ireland's EU presidency has initiated a "pairing" program, matching EU member states with specific Irish counties. Poland has been paired with Donegal, the northernmost county in Ireland.

Donegal shares most of its land border with Northern Ireland and a small portion with County Leitrim. It is one of three Irish counties that, along with six in Northern Ireland, form the historic province of Ulster. The article notes Poland's strong GDP growth last year and Ireland's similar performance, suggesting a strategic look at their "pair" for the latter half of 2026.

The county lacks large cities but has key towns like Letterkenny, which serves as a regional hub for technology and financial services. Donegal also boasts a significant maritime sector, home to Ireland's largest fishing port, Killybegs, and promotes its high-quality food products through the "Donegal Food Coast" initiative. The region is also recognized for its textiles and artisanal crafts.

Bundoran, a coastal resort town in Donegal, participates in the Douzelage network, a partnership of towns from EU member states and the UK. The article also mentions Ulster Mead Co., a mead and fruit wine producer in Convoy, founded by newcomers to the region.