The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Ireland

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland on Monday 20th May for a two-day visit. 

To begin, The Prince and The Duchess were greeted by The President of Ireland and his wife at Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre. 

After meeting staff, The Prince of Wales met participants of a legacy dialogue session, whilst Her Royal Highness met participants of the Women’s Leadership Programme. Before departing, The Prince and The Duchess met students from three schools, who had been discussion the future of British-Irish relations.

Next, Their Royal Highnesses joined a reception at Powerscourt House and Gardens. After planting a tree, The Prince and The Duchess were given an overview of the Garden’s history.

Later in the afternoon, The Prince visited the ‘Cool Planet’ Climate Experience, an Irish charity on a mission to motivate the people of Ireland to take climate action. The Prince also saw a converted classic electric car and heard about the technology used to make it.

Meanwhile, The Duchess of Cornwall visited Bray Women’s Refuge, which was opened in 1978 and provides a safe and secure short-term crisis accommodation for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse. In the Residential Unit, Her Royal Highness also met staff members and clients, who are currently living at the refuge, and heard about the day-to-day work carried there. 

In the evening, Their Royal Highnesses arrived at the Ambassador’s Residence in Glencairn to join a reception and dinner. 

On Tuesday 21st May, The Prince began the day by touring Kilmacurragh House and Botanic Gardens in Wicklow. His Royal Highness saw the wildflower garden and learnt about the work and history of the Kilmacurragh House. 

His Royal Highness then visited the Upper Lake in Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough. This is the largest National Park, covering 22,000 hectares of the Wicklow uplands. The Prince was introduced to education staff and local schoolchildren on the lakeshore. 

Meanwhile, The Duchess of Cornwall visited Avoca Mill. The Mill in Avoca village was originally set up as co-operative in 1723.

Here, local farmers could grind their corn, and spin and weave their wool for clothing for the local miners. Today, there are third generation weavers working at the Mill and Avoca has 12 locations across the country.