During their stay Their Royal Highnesses have spent time in Dublin, County Meath, County Kildare and Galway, highlighting the many strong links between the UK and Ireland. Here is a taste of some of the experiences the royal couple enjoyed during their visit.
Day One – Tuesday, 3 March
After touching down around lunchtime in Dublin Airport, the Duke and Duchess were welcomed by representatives of the Irish government and the British Ambassador, before undertaking a series of engagements in the capital.
This included a visit to President Michael D Higgins at his official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park, and a meeting with Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar at Government Buildings, Merrion Street. The royal couple also joined in a wreath-laying ceremony at the city’s Garden of Remembrance, a special place of reflection and remembrance dedicated to those who gave their lives for Irish independence.
In the evening The Duke and Duchess attended a reception in Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, hosted by the British Ambassador to Ireland. Located in the heart of the legendary St James’s Gate Brewery, which has been home to the world-famous ‘black stuff’ since 1759, the Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s number one visitor attraction. Their Royal Highnesses met with a broad range of people from Ireland’s creative arts, sport, business and charity sectors in the attraction’s Gravity Bar, which provides panoramic views over the city.
Day Two – Wednesday, 4 March
On Wednesday, The Duke and Duchess continued their visit in Dublin, County Meath and County Kildare.
The royal couple’s first engagement was a visit to Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland, located in Temple Bar, Dublin’s lively cultural hub. The centre provides vital support to young people (aged 12–25) across a range of one-to-one, community, school and online services. Their Royal Highnesses met with young people who have been supported by the charity and listened to their experiences.
The Duke and Duchess then travelled to County Meath, home of the famous passage tombs of Brú na Bóinne, one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island of Ireland.
The royal couple visited Savannah House, a residential facility run by social justice charity Extern, which operates across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The site provides a safe space to support vulnerable young people and families who are going through challenging times, and places a particular emphasis on equipping young people with key life skills through a range of activities. Their Royal Highnesses joined in some of these activities as they heard more from the young people themselves about the life-changing support Extern provides.
The Duke and Duchess then visited a Research Farm at Teagasc, the Irish agriculture and food development authority, where they spoke to a group of farmers who have implemented pioneering agri-food research into their own practices. Their Royal Highnesses then met with a group of primary school children visiting the farm, and joined a session where they learnt about the environment, nutrition, and food production.
The royal couple’s next engagement was at Howth Cliff, a spectacular cliff walk in Dublin Bay with extensive views out over the Irish Sea. Here, Their Royal Highnesses met with representatives from the Marine Institute, a state agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. As they walked along the cliff path, The Duke and Duchess learnt more about the impact of climate change and conservation efforts around Ireland’s beautiful coastline.
In the evening the Duke and Duchess attended a reception in central Dublin hosted by Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Simon Coveney.
Day Three – Thursday, 5 March
On Thursday Their Royal Highnesses travelled to Galway on Ireland’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way.
Renowned for its creative exuberance and culinary excellence, Galway is hosting the 2020 European Capital of Culture on behalf of Ireland and has been named one of the top cities in the world to visit this year by Lonely Planet. The Duke and Duchess attended a special event at urban restaurant Tribeton in Galway city, where they encountered a number of the acts due to appear during the European Capital of Culture. The royal couple met with performers, young people and volunteers involved in the year-long showcase, which will feature a huge programme of local, national, European and international artists and cultural organisations from more than 30 different countries.
Their Royal Highnesses next visited Tig Coili, a family-owned traditional Irish pub in Galway city centre, where they met with local Galwegians who volunteer to promote the city and its people. On departure, the Duke and Duchess had the opportunity to meet members of the public gathered on King Street.
The royal couple concluded their visit at a local GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) club, where they learnt more about Ireland’s ancient games, including Gaelic football and hurling, the fastest-paced field game in the world. Their Royal Highnesses joined children and young people from the GAA club’s teams as they take part in some sporting activity.