Ambassador Ann Derwin has just arrived in Beijing early this year. Follow VisitBeijing to explore her own experience in China, as well as the cultural and tourism cooperation plans between China and Ireland.
1. Ms. Derwin, is this your first visit to China? How is China different from what you previously learned about it?
Ambassador Derwin: Arriving here as Ambassador was also my first time to China, and I am very honoured to be here and am really looking forward to exploring China over the coming years.
Ireland and China might be countries of very different sizes, but we share a lot in our history and experience. Both countries are known around the world for the richness of their ancient cultures, and also for times of great difficulty and strife. We are also both countries that have developed rapidly in the last 50 years, changing our economies and our lifestyles in enormous ways.
In 2019 we celebrated 40 years of the Ireland-China diplomatic relationship, which was a great way to celebrate our similarities in many areas.
In that sense, I knew some things about China already – its huge size, innovative and modern economy, and deep culture and history. Seeing it for myself is much better however.
2. As this is your first time celebrating the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival in China, and I saw on Weibo that you recently visited some hutongs, National Art Museum and the Beihai Park, were there any places, food or stories that impressed you?
Ambassador Derwin: Irish people have a great appetite for engaging with other cultures and for listening to other people's stories, and I try everyday to do both in China.
I visited the Summer Palace last weekend and really enjoyed the fantastic views and architecture
China boasts many different diverse and unique cultures. Beijing, as the capital, is also the cultural centre with a mix of history and modernity, tradition and innovation. I find all of these things fascinating and have enjoyed exploring Beijing’s different areas.
I'm delighted to have opportunities to visit old and new places in Beijing, and experience the great parks and museums, and learn a bit more about Chinese heritage and culture.
3. For Irish tourists, which cities and attractions do they prefer when visiting China?
Ambassador Derwin: There are so many must-go places in China, it's hard to say where they prefer.
Compared with Chinese cities, Irish cities are very small, so I imagine many Irish people like to see the great cities and infrastructure in China, ride the bullet trains and eat different kinds of food. Similarly, I imagine many Chinese travellers to Ireland enjoy our smaller, cosy cities and towns, and our great rural scenery and landscapes.
4. Although the total area of Ireland is not that big, it is still a "treasure trove" of cultural and tourist resources. From the prehistoric tombs to the exquisite medieval codices, from the lively pubs in the city of Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way at the "end of the world"... If you could recommend a few places to visit or things to do in Ireland for Chinese tourists, what are they? And why?
Ambassador Derwin: I appreciate your lovely description of Ireland as a treasure trove.
The island of Ireland is famed for its hospitality, our people, cultural legacy and the vivid greenness and beauty of our landscape. Our unspoilt landscapes and seascapes are greatly appreciated by visitors and guests.
On the West Coast, Ben Bulben and the Cliffs of Moher the highest cliffs in Europe, are truly spectacular. Visitors can gaze across into the wild Atlantic sea and get a sense of how nature shapes Ireland every day, and how it has inspired our writers and poets for generations.
Despite the relatively small size of Ireland, our cities, towns and villages hum with activity and life, including live music and dance, art galleries, craft shops, and where one can tread in the footsteps of our famous historical figures.
We are of course currently in a period of time where a pandemic is still present. That means we have to take care in providing a tourism offering which takes practical considerations into account. Ireland has performed well in tackling Covid-19 and we expect that we will continue to build safe systems for the tourism trade for both Irish citizens and visitors alike so they can enjoy the wonderful tourism offering.
5. China-EU agreement on geographical indications have just came into force on 1 March this year. The 100 products on list are not only protected officially in China and Europe, but are also already well-known by people from both sides. Among them are Shaoxing wine from China and whiskey from Ireland. Both countries are famous for their "wine culture", and Ireland has more than just whiskey, with "Guinness" even named after Irish beer and the unique "Irish coffee" with alcohol as its soul. Could you tell us about the Irish pub culture and drinking traditions?
Ambassador Derwin: Often, people confuse Ireland's pub culture with just alcohol, even though the two are very different. Ireland’s towns, villages, and cities are host to many pubs and restaurants where you can relax, listen to some music and spend and evening with friends or family, or just meeting new people. That interaction and energy is at the heart of our culture.
We also have very famous brands of food products, including drinks like our stouts or whiskeys, and Irish Cream. Even now we are inventing new ones, like craft gins that have become very popular.
But Ireland is equally known for its very high quality agricultural produce, from meats to milk to cheeses, and these are sold around the world and enjoyed by people every day.
We are proud of the fact that so many great products are unique to Ireland, and are enjoyed by our tourists and guests, who often return to explore Ireland further.
6. As St Patrick's Day, is approaching, will the Embassy be organising any special events? Are there any future plans to promote China-Ireland cultural and tourism cooperation?
Ambassador Derwin: We are keeping our physical events at the Embassy to a minimum this year, to respect the guidelines to protect everyone from the spread of Covid-19, and to be in solidarity with our friends and family in Ireland, who are keeping themselves very safe through strict rules.
We are however committed to celebrating St. Patrick's Day here in China. We will be showcasing a virtual reception on our social media channels on the 17th, from around 4pm. There will be performances from poet Neethee Kasa, Harpist Seána Davey, and the Irish trad band Kíla will be playing to excerpts from Wolfwalkers, the critically acclaimed new film from Kilkenny’s own Cartoon Saloon. In actual fact, Wolfwalkers has been nominated, in recent days, for a Bafta award. Needless to say I am delighted for Cartoon Saloon.
The Taoiseach will also give an address to our friends and partners in China.
Today, we are meeting here with our Chinese media partners for Tourism Ireland's St. Patrick's Day programme launch. We will showcase the best of Ireland, offering a taste of Irish food, music, culture and language.
I will invite you to follow our social accounts, and tune in for other initiatives, such as the Dublin drone show, which will be a spectacular orchestra of light taking place above the Samuel Becket Bridge in Dublin for St. Patrick' Day.
Last not least, the world turns green for St. Patrick's day, so feel free to wear some green and for extra luck, add a shamrock! Xie Xie (thank you)!
by Huo Mengtong
