Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív is visiting the US to attend the Milwaukee Irish Fest — the world’s largest Irish cultural festival today.
The four-day event in Wisconsin state will feature its own Gaeltacht, currach races, an Irish dancing tent, hurling games and tug-of-war contests.
Up to 150,000 people are expected to flock to the event at the 70-acre Henry W Maier Festival Park on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Visiting the event for the sixth time, Mr Ó Cuiv will be leading regional delegations from Ireland aiming to attract US tourism and investment.
"Going back year after year has helped me and other Irish delegates to build up a network of US contacts who can put business our way, said Mr Ó Cuiv.
"We will be trying to sell Ireland as best we can while also helping to celebrate Irish culture."
Mr Ó Cuiv will also attend a summer school running in tandem with the Fest which will offer lectures and workshops in Irish dance, music and crafts such as basket weaving, aran knitting and wood carving.
A special section at the Fest will showcase Co Galway this year and a 75-member group travelling from the West will include representatives of Galway City Council, Galway Co Council and Udaras na Gaeltachta.
Co Galway natives, The Saw Doctors will be among 100 acts performing over 16 stages at the Fest.
The Bishop of Galway Dr Martin Drennan will also concelebrate a religious service in the local Marcus Amphitheatre.
Exhibitions at the Fest will focus on topics such as the heritage of the Ulster-Scots, traditional music and the Galway Arts Festival.
There will also be a Belleek pottery road show, a shop selling Irish musical instruments and an interactive exhibit on St Patrick.
The Irish Fest was established by local members of the Irish community in 1981. President Mary McAleese attended the event in 2005 when it marked its 25th anniversary.
During his visit, Minister Ó Cuív will meet with the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin, Carlos E Santiago.
On Friday, he will attend a special commemoration event in Milwaukee to remember the victims of the 1998 Omagh bombing.
PA