Est. 2001 • Kilkenny, Ireland

Bridging Ireland & Lebanon

The Irish Lebanese Cultural Foundation fosters arts, sports, and musical ties between two nations united by history, peacekeeping, and shared values of hospitality and resilience.

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23+
Years of Service
48
Irish Peacekeepers Honored
400+
Lebanese Community in Ireland
2
Nations, One Bond
About Us

A Story of Cultural Diplomacy

Building bridges between two nations through shared heritage, culinary traditions, and the pursuit of peace.

Irish Lebanese Cultural Foundation Logo
Since2001

Founded on a Vision of Unity

In 2001, Guy Jones noticed something missing. With Irish troops returning from Lebanon after decades of peacekeeping, there were no formal cultural links between the two nations. He envisioned a way to bridge this gap — not through politics, but through culture.

"If my daughter is going to grow up in this environment, what's the best way to create cultural activities?" From this question, the Irish Lebanese Cultural Foundation was born.

"We are true believers in the long lasting impact of Cultural Diplomacy that we have adopted since the establishment of our Foundation back in November 2001."

— Guy Jones, Founder & Chairman

Based in Kilkenny, Ireland, the Foundation works towards the propagation of Irish and Lebanese culture in both nations, providing consultative roles in immigration, integration, and intercultural exchange.

Our Mission

What Drives Us Forward

Three pillars that guide our work in bringing communities together.

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Cultural Exchange

Fostering arts, sports, and musical ties between Lebanon and Ireland. From bringing traditional Irish musicians to Beirut to showcasing authentic Lebanese cuisine at Irish festivals.

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Peace & Remembrance

Honoring the 48 Irish Defence Forces members who gave their lives serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon. Our memorial tree planting initiative ensures their sacrifice is never forgotten.

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Humanitarian Aid

Supporting communities in need through charitable initiatives. From shipping hospital beds to southern Lebanon to organizing relief efforts after the Beirut explosion.

Our Activities

Building Bridges Through Action

From parades to pop-up kitchens, our programs bring cultures together.

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St. Patrick's Day in Beirut

In 2005, we organized the first-ever St. Patrick's Day Parade in Beirut — a dream come true. We continue bringing Irish cultural performers to Lebanon annually.

Annual Event
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Lebanese Culinary Pop-Ups

Through events like Savour Kilkenny, we share authentic Lebanese recipes. Our Global Kitchen pop-ups serve traditional dishes like kibbeh, falafel, and maghli.

Food & Culture
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47 Trees Memorial

An ongoing initiative started in 2004 to plant 47 trees — one for each Irish peacekeeper who lost their life in Lebanon. A living memorial connecting both nations.

Memorial Project
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Independence Day Celebrations

Each year, members of the 400-strong Lebanese community in Ireland gather to celebrate Lebanese Independence Day with ceremonies in Dublin and Thurles.

Community Event
Remembrance

Honoring 48 Irish Peacekeepers

Since 1978, over 30,000 Irish Defence Forces personnel have served with UNIFIL in Lebanon. Tragically, 47 made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.

The Foundation works closely with the Tipperary International Peace Committee and maintains the twinned gardens in Thurles and Tebnine, Lebanon — sacred spaces where we honor these heroes.

Our 47 Trees Memorial ensures each life is commemorated with a living tribute, connecting Irish soil to the land where they served.

Support Our Memorial Work
Our Journey

Milestones Through the Years

Key moments in our mission to bridge Irish and Lebanese cultures.

2001

Foundation Established

Guy Jones founds the Irish Lebanese Cultural Foundation in Kilkenny.

2004

47 Trees Project Begins

Launch of memorial tree planting to honor Irish peacekeepers.

2005

First St. Patrick's in Beirut

Historic first St. Patrick's Day parade in Beirut, Lebanon.

2006

Humanitarian Aid Mission

100 hospital beds shipped to southern Lebanon after the conflict.

2008

Savour Kilkenny Partnership

Begin showcasing Lebanese cuisine at Ireland's premier food festival.

2020

Beirut Explosion Response

Memorial ceremony honoring victims of the Beirut port explosion.

Get in Touch

Join Our Community

Whether you're Irish, Lebanese, or passionate about cultural exchange, we'd love to hear from you.

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Location

Kilkenny, Ireland

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Partners

Tipperary International Peace Committee
Lebanese Emigration Research Center
Irish UN Veterans Association