BEIJING, October 24, 2025 — The Second Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China and the Beijing Municipal Government, concluded successfully after five days of spectacular cultural exchange at the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing from October 17 to 21, 2025. According to official statistics, the event attracted over 100,000 visitors, garnered coverage from more than 500 media outlets, and achieved over 100 million in total media exposure, reaching unprecedented impact. The Ireland China Culture and Tourism Association (ICCTA) organized and led a distinguished delegation of Irish Intangible Cultural Heritage representatives who delivered an outstanding showcase of diverse intangible cultural heritage projects to enthusiastic acclaim.

Irish Traditional Music Captivates Audiences at Intangible Cultural Heritage Week

Throughout the five-day event, the Irish exhibition booth and display area drew significant crowds eager to experience authentic Irish culture. Evelyn McCaul and Phil McCaul, both from the renowned McCaul family of traditional musicians, performed on the Irish harp (inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019) and Uilleann pipes (inscribed in 2017), respectively. These two UNESCO-recognized Irish intangible cultural heritage traditions captivated audiences with their distinctive musical styles and profound artistic depth, earning thunderous applause and widespread praise. Many visitors remarked that this was their first opportunity to experience Irish traditional music so intimately, with the melodies of harp and pipes transporting them to Ireland's verdant valleys and tranquil lakesides.

This remarkable performance underscored the island of Ireland's significant role in international cultural exchange and further strengthened cooperation between Chinese and Irish cultures in the protection, transmission, and utilization of intangible cultural heritage.

Chang'an Club Special Event: A Cultural Feast to Remember

During Intangible Cultural Heritage Week, the Ireland China Culture and Tourism Association (ICCTA), in collaboration with the Chang'an Club, successfully hosted "Encountering Ireland: A Dialogue on Legacy and Opportunity" on October 20, adding a brilliant highlight to the week's festivities. The Chang'an Club, one of China's most prestigious private business clubs, brings together the nation's top business leaders, culture leaders and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Its members have a strong interest in bespoke golf experiences, historic castle visits, exclusive cultural experiences, and unique travel opportunities.

Following the event, there has been notable enthusiasm among members to attend Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Belfast 2026, demonstrating the power of cultural exchange in fostering meaningful travel and business connections. The event attracted nearly 80 distinguished guests, including Ms. Kerry Curran, Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau China and Minister Counsellor at the British Embassy; Mr. Barry McElduff, Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Ms. Alison McCullogh, Chief Executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Ms. Shirley Hawes, Deputy Mayor of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; and Mr. Lars Romann Engel, CEO and Artistic Director of Kronborg Castle Shakespeare Theatre in Denmark, among other international dignitaries.

The event presented an extraordinary cultural journey through five living Irish intangible cultural heritage themes:

• Traditional Music & Performing Arts: The McCaul siblings' performances on Irish harp and Uilleann pipes showcased the soul of Irish music. A standout moment came when 13-year-old musical ambassador Setanta McCarthy performed the beloved classic "Danny Boy" on the Chinese erhu alongside Irish instruments, creating a stunning East-meets-West musical fusion that became the evening's most moving highlight.

• Oral Traditions & Language: Ms. Catherine O'Grady-Powers recited poetry in ancient Gaelic and demonstrated the remarkable whistled commands used in Irish sheepdog herding, immersing guests in the authentic cultural spirit of Ireland's western coast.

• Social Practices & Festival Events: Mr. Maitiú Breathnach demonstrated Gaelic football and hurling, sports with thousands of years of history, inviting guests to participate in hands-on experiences that showcased the passion and team spirit deeply embedded in Irish culture.

• Traditional Craftsmanship: Ms. Wang Lirui from The Great Northern Distillery provided an in-depth exploration of Irish whiskey's "living heritage," from traditional distillation methods to the unique narrative of cask culture, offering guests both cultural insight and sensory delight.

• Education & Cultural Transmission: Dr. Patrick McCarthy, Chairperson of the Irish China Institute, shared from his dual perspective as both a father and educator about Ireland's unique "Transition Year" education model, and how these experiences inspired him to establish a school in China.

The event also featured a special presentation by Mr. Lars Romann Engel, CEO of Denmark's Kronborg Castle Shakespeare Theatre and guardian of the world's oldest continuous Shakespeare performance tradition. He performed Hamlet's famous soliloquy "To be, or not to be," adding a cross-cultural artistic dimension to the evening.

Interactive zones featuring whiskey tasting, sheepdog whistle command demonstrations, Gaelic poetry, and Gaelic sports displays allowed guests to experience multiple facets of Irish culture firsthand. The event featured two rounds of prize draws, with gifts including premium Bushmills whiskey, a Seamus Heaney poetry collection, a two-night stay at Delphi Resort including dinner and fishing, and an 18-year collector's whiskey, bringing the evening to exhilarating crescendos.

Building Bridges for Chinese-Irish Cultural Exchange

Ms. Jing Farrelly, Chairperson of the Ireland China Culture and Tourism Association, stated: "The Second Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage provided us with an exceptional platform to showcase Irish intangible cultural heritage to Chinese audiences. We are honored to bring Irish traditional music, language, sports, and crafts to Beijing, sharing our cultural treasures with Chinese friends. The special event at the Chang'an Club elevated cultural exchange to a new level, allowing China's business and cultural elites to gain deep insights into the island of Ireland's unique advantages and boundless opportunities in education, tourism, and business."

Ms. Kerry Curran, Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau China and Minister Counsellor at the British Embassy, emphasized in her remarks: "This afternoon, we are not only sharing our music, heritage, and tradition—we are sharing the soul of Ireland, and the deep connections that culture creates between people and nations. Cultural understanding builds trust. It is very often through culture that business relationships begin, and through culture that they endure."

Mr. Barry McElduff, Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, reflected: "Today, we celebrate culture as the heart of connection. It is through events like this that we build friendships which lead to future collaboration—in tourism, education, and business. Fermanagh and Omagh is a region rich in history, heritage, and natural beauty—from the tranquil lakes of Lough Erne to the ancient landscapes of the Sperrins. We are home to innovative businesses, strong education links, and a vibrant cultural life that continues to evolve while proudly preserving tradition."

The Irish delegation's outstanding performance at the Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage, combined with ICCTA's high-profile themed event at the Chang'an Club, not only demonstrated Irish profound cultural heritage and modern vitality to China but also laid a solid foundation for advancing cooperation between China and the island of Ireland in cultural tourism, educational exchange, and business investment, writing a new chapter in the history of Chinese-Irish cultural exchange.