Welsh language, one of the first cornerstones to connect and bind Wales with Ireland as a Celtic Nation

“We’re as keen as ever to promote and foster Welsh links with Ireland; we have many similarities in terms of our traditions, culture and economies. Wales – Ireland links are more important than ever, which is also evident by Irish Government’s announcement that the Irish Consulate will re-open in Cardiff later this year.” These are the words of Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Welsh Deputy Minister on a visit to Dublin. A St David's Day (March 1st) reception will be held by the Welsh Government at the National Museum Ireland, where a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the National Museum of Ireland and National Museum Wales regarding a new partnership between the two cultural organisations. As part of the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages, the reception will also celebrate the Welsh language, which has been described as one of the first cornerstones to connect and bind Wales with Ireland as a Celtic Nation.