Cultural and Community Exchanges
Over the years, the Athlone-Châteaubriant Twinning Committee has built meaningful connections between our two communities through a wide range of activities. These events and programs celebrate our shared heritage, foster learning, and deepen the bonds between our towns.
Promoting Irish Culture in France
Irish music and culture are showcased at Châteaubriant’s annual music festival.
Trade Show Representation
Athlone is promoted as a tourist destination at Châteaubriant’s four-day annual trade show, which attracts over 55,000 visitors.
Irish Dance Workshops
Athlone set dancers have participated in workshops in both towns. In Châteaubriant, the Breton Celtic dance group hosted a two-day event led by Tom O’Connor, which was a great success.
We also welcomed exchanges from the Hill Walking Club, Round table, Rugby Club and Fire emergency services from France.
Cultural Exchanges
Educational Links
School Exchanges
A long-running exchange program has connected St. Aloysius College and Summerhill College in Athlone with the lycée in Châteaubriant. Students stay with host families, immersing themselves in language and culture.
Work Placements
French students have completed work placements in Athlone, gaining valuable experience in local businesses.
As part of the twinning activities, musical groups from both towns have participated in cultural exchanges, showcasing their talents and celebrating the rich traditions of each community. The choral group Meli-Melo and Athlone choral society have forged strong links over many years. In May 2025 they performed together at the Athlone Choral Society Spring Concert in St. Marys Church of Ireland, Athlone to a full house.
Music
In previous years there was a long-running exchange program connecting St. Aloysius College and Summerhill College in Athlone with the lycée in Chateaubriant. Students stayed with host families, immersing themselves in language and culture. Athlone Community College are running pen pal video calls with their counterparts in Chateaubriant. A bursary award was given to help secondary school students avail of student exchange program to Chateaubriant. The committee invited the secondary schools to an open cinema afternoon performance in the IMC. The committee organised a French conversation group to meet once a month in the library.
School Exchanges and Outreach Program
