Brussels Bubble Tea S4E4: Ireland, Dublin and Much More
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August 14, 2026
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Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Introduction
On 1 July 2026, Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In this episode of Brussels Bubble Tea (Season 4 Episode 4), host Ani Gundes speaks with Melanie Farrell, Managing Director, and Conor Pierce, Senior Consultant, from FTI Consulting’s Dublin office. They explain the role of the rotating EU Presidency, Ireland’s expected priorities and what makes the country distinctive, from its international influence and storytelling tradition to its culture, food and must-visit destinations.
To Start, Can You Introduce Yourselves and Tell Us a Bit About Your Roles At FTI Consulting?
Melanie: My name is Melanie Farrell, and I’m a Managing Director in FTI Consulting’s Dublin office. My role primarily focuses on corporate reputation, helping clients with corporate communications and public affairs, which brings us to today’s discussion about Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Conor: My name is Conor Pierce, and I’m a Senior Consultant in FTI Consulting’s Dublin office, working across public affairs and strategic communications. I joined FTI Consulting in January 2026, so I’m relatively new to the firm. Before joining, I worked at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where I focused on United Nations policy.
In Simple Terms, Can You Explain the Rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union and How Long It Lasts?
Melanie: The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is essentially responsible for keeping the EU’s legislative work moving forward in a fair and neutral way. Each Member State holds the Presidency for six months. During that time, it chairs meetings, sets agendas and guides discussions between countries, with a strong focus on building consensus around legislative issues.
Melanie: Neutrality is particularly important. The country holding the Presidency is not there simply to advance its own national agenda; it must act as an honest broker among Member States.
Melanie: Because six months is a relatively short period, each Presidency works as part of an 18-month trio with two other Member States. Ireland is working alongside Lithuania and Greece as part of the current trio. Ireland last held the Presidency in 2013.
What Key Topics Is Ireland Expected to Address During Its Presidency?
Conor: Ireland is expected to focus on three principal themes during its Presidency: competitiveness, values and security. At the time of recording, the Irish Government had also indicated that regulatory simplification would be a particular priority.
How would you introduce Ireland to someone who has never visited the country?
Melanie: Ireland is a small island nation with a significant global footprint. We have a population of just over five million, but Ireland is often seen as a country that punches above its weight in terms of its international reach and influence. That is also true at the EU level, where Irish civil servants have held several prominent positions over the years.
Melanie: Ireland’s economy has also changed considerably over the decades since joining the EU. From its traditional agricultural foundations, the country has developed into a major hub for technology, pharmaceuticals and financial services. Dublin’s ‘Silicon Docks’, home to several major technology companies, is a good example of that transformation.
What Are Your Favourite Aspects of Irish Culture and Your Favourite Places to Visit?
Melanie: For me, it is Ireland’s traditional culture and history. Ireland has its own language, Irish, or Gaeilge in Irish, as well as a strong tradition of music and storytelling. Irish is also an official language of the European Union.
Conor: Some of the best parts of Ireland are found outside its cities. One of my favourite places is Cahore in County Wexford. It is a small coastal village with a fishing pier, two beaches and a great pub overlooking the sea. It used to be a relatively quiet place, although, like many hidden gems, more people have now discovered it.
Melanie: For visitors who want to experience Irish language, music and culture, Galway is certainly somewhere I would recommend. Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland, is also very special to me, and I spend a lot of time there.
Melanie: The west coast forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Many visitors spend a few days in Dublin before travelling west. The weather may not always be perfect, but that is part of its charm. Ireland generally does not experience extreme temperatures, and Dublin’s weather is often better than people expect.
What Is Ireland Particularly Famous for Internationally?
Melanie: I would bring many of Ireland’s cultural strengths together under one word: storytelling. Ireland has a rich storytelling tradition expressed through music, song, poetry and literature. The country has produced internationally recognised writers and poets such as W.B. Yeats and Patrick Kavanagh, as well as globally successful musicians such as U2.
Melanie: More recently, Irish actors and filmmakers have also achieved considerable international success. Performers such as Jessie Buckley and Cillian Murphy demonstrate how Ireland continues to punch above its weight creatively.
Conor: Irish food sometimes receives an unfair reputation, but the quality is excellent, particularly the beef, dairy and seafood.
Melanie: Ireland has many Michelin-starred restaurants and establishments recognised by the Michelin Guide. Dublin, in particular, has welcomed several excellent new restaurants. If you are planning a weekend in the city, it is worth researching and booking in advance because popular restaurants can fill up quickly.
What Are Some Must-Do Activities for Someone Visiting Dublin?
Melanie: As well as exploring Dublin’s restaurants, I would recommend travelling beyond the city centre. Visitors can take the train to Howth, a beautiful seaside town on the north side of Dublin with coastal scenery and excellent food.
Melanie: If you are visiting during the summer, try to attend a Gaelic football or hurling match at Croke Park. These are two of Ireland’s national sports. Hurling, in particular, is incredibly fast-paced and can be astonishing when you see it for the first time.
Conor: I enjoy spending a day at Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park, which is one of the oldest zoos in the world, followed by lunch on Parkgate Street. If it is raining, another option is the Natural History Museum, affectionately known in Dublin as the ‘Dead Zoo’.
Can You Teach Us an Expression That Sounds Distinctly Irish?
Melanie: One expression is ‘Cad é an scéal?’ In English, it means ‘What’s the story?’ It is a characteristically Irish way of asking someone how they are or what is happening.
Conor: Mine is ‘Sin é’, which means ‘That’s it’. It is often used as a natural way of ending a conversation, so it is particularly appropriate as we approach the end of the podcast.
Finally, How Do You Say ‘See You Later’ in Irish?
Melanie: A good phrase to use is ‘Slán go fóill’, which means ‘Bye for now’.
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Published
August 14, 2026
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