On Thursday, 12 February 2026, the promotional event “Pompeii and the Campania Region: Cultural and Tourist Destination for the Irish Public” took place at the Italian Institute of Culture in Dublin. The initiative was organised by the Embassy of Italy in Ireland, the Italian Institute of Culture, the ENIT, the ITA – Italian Trade Agency and the Italian-Irish Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Municipality of Pompeii and the Campania Region.
The initiative marked the signing of the Twinning Pact between Pompeii and Dublin, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of tourism and culture. The Pact provides for the development of cultural and educational exchanges between schools, the sharing of best practices in the tourism sector, and the promotion of joint initiatives to enhance the cultural heritage of the two cities, with the objective of establishing a stable and long-lasting partnership.
Held from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, the event opened with institutional greetings from representatives of the organising bodies. A panel discussion followed, featuring Professor Lynda Mulvin of the School of Art History and Cultural Policy at University College Dublin, Dr. Mario Muscariello, International Affairs Adviser to the Mayor of Pompeii, and architect Ferdinando d’Agostino, official at the Department of Tourism of the Campania Region. Their contributions focused on the role of Pompeii and Campania as cultural and tourist destinations for the Irish public, with particular attention to prospects for academic and institutional cooperation.
The programme continued with a performance by soprano Concetta Pepere, from the “G. Martinucci” Musical Conservatory of Salerno, accompanied by Irish pianist Maja Elliott, with a musical programme dedicated to sealing the friendship between the two countries.
The evening concluded with the presentation of promotional materials within the Institute’s premises, followed by a reception featuring Italian culinary specialities and wine, as well as an official photo opportunity. Representatives of Irish institutions responsible for tourism and culture, economic operators, university professors and students of archaeology and related disciplines in artistic and cultural heritage attended the event.
