THIS IS IRELAND
A seedbed of imagination where ideas are born and flourish
An island on the edge
From here everything looks different.
We reach out to the world with optimism
And belief in the power of creativity.
Our history taught us resilience
Our struggles gave us strength
Our culture taught us independence of mind
Our Irish language gave us wit.
We are free in spirit, wild at heart
Ancient and modern
We are curious.
We treasure the sacred trust of learning.
Our soul takes flight through music, dance and story
Film, words and song.
Our culture is our life
Our creators our lifeblood.
IRELAND HAS JUST launched a brand-new website to promote the country as a great place to live, visit, study and invest in.
Ireland.ie’s second iteration follows from the success of its original form as the landing page for all 1916 centenary plans.
Not only is the more permanent portal visually satisfying, it includes details on how to visit, work and invest in Ireland.
A project of the Creative Ireland Programme (which aims to place culture and creativity at the centre of public policy), it also has sections on trade, design, study, research and the arts.
Launching the site in the US today, Enda Kenny described it as a “gateway to discovery of who we are, what we believe and what we do”.
The Taoiseach added, “Our culture speaks to the essence of who we are, a culture of storytelling and learning, of artistic endeavour, pride in heritage, and a never satisfied curiosity about the world around us.
We are peacekeepers and peacemakers. We believe in culture as a basis for personal and collective wellbeing. We are now a global nation, ever alert to the challenges that confront us all. All of this marks out a distinct contribution we can make to the world.
Also commenting today, Arts Minister Heather Humphreys said it is important Ireland uses every opportunity to reinforce the message that the island is a “home of possibility – where ideas and imagination are not just encouraged by enabled”.
The video – above – includes contributions from filmmaker Lenny Abrahamson, chef Ruairí de Blacam, the Laureate for Irish Fiction Anne Enright, surfer Easkey Britton, artist Clare Langan, poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, choreographer Feargus Ó Conchúir, fiddler Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, playwright Enda Walsh, composer Bill Whelan and more.
See more @creativeirl on Twitter or Ireland.ie
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