A delegation of 26 people from the small village of Ardara in Sardinia, Italy was given a warm welcome to Ardara in County Donegal on Friday evening (7th August 2026).
The group’s visit marked the beginning of a unique town twinning project funded by the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values – CERV Programme, call CERV-2025-CITIZENS-TOWN-TT, dedicated to town twinning initiatives.
The project is coordinated by the Municipality of Ardara, Sardinia, with Awake Tourism CLG, a community organisation based in Ardara, County Donegal, Ireland, acting as associated partner.

Cllr Anthony Molloy together with Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Gary Doherty and Mayor of the Municipality of Ardara (Italy) Dr. Francesco Dui - pic Svetlana Sokitva, Ardara.ie
In welcoming the Mayor of Ardara (Italy), chairperson of Glenties Municipal District Cllr Anthony Molloy highlighted the importance of such initiatives which give the opportunity for representatives from the Italian partner town to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Donegal welcome. The group would also sample the culture of Donegal through visits to the Ardara Distillery, John Molloy and Co Weavers and also attendance at the annual Ardara Show which coincides with the visit. Cllr Molloy also paid tribute to all of the people involved in making the partnership happen and paid particular tribute to the late Stephen McCahill of Awake Tourism.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gary Doherty added that it was his great delight to be present at the beginning of the partnership which he hopes will bring benefits and opportunities to both communities. He noted that the event will also be an opportunity to enhance Sardinian and Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, bringing into dialogue two communities that share similar dimensions, rural roots and a strong local identity.

Mayor of the Municipality of Ardara (Italy) Dr. Francesco Dui is presented with a bottle of Ardara whiskey by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Gary Doherty, Cllr Anthony Molloy and Sean Cannon Earley of Awake Tourism CLG - pic Svetlana Sokitva, Ardara.ie
The visiting delegation were treated to dinner at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel in Ardara and in turn provided samples of local food and wine from Sardinia.
On Saturday the group were in attendance at the annual Ardara Agriculture and Industrial Show 2026 and also had a visit to the John Molloy Factory with a weaving demonstration and a visit to Ardara Distillery. The Mayor of Ardara was also interviewed for the local community station, Owenea FM.
More details on the full project are available at the EU Project Portal.


Experiencing the John Molloy weaving factory and the Ardara Distillery - pic Svetlana Sokitva, Ardara.ie
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