Ireland West Airport welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the West of Ireland

Ireland West Airport was honoured to welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the airport on Sunday, 14th and Monday, 15th June 2026, as part of his ancestral visit to County Mayo.

Prime Minister Carney, his wife Diana, and a Canadian delegation travelled to Mayo as part of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Ireland, returning to the county of his family roots and receiving a warm West of Ireland welcome from local communities.

His arrival at Ireland West Airport marked a proud moment for the airport, County Mayo, and the wider region, highlighting the deep and enduring connections between the west of Ireland and Canada.

Prime Minister Carney’s grandparents, Robert Carney and Nora Moran, emigrated from the Aghagower area of Mayo to Canada in the early 20th century. His visit to Mayo offered an opportunity to celebrate those family connections and the wider story of Irish emigration, heritage, and friendship between Ireland and Canada.

Welcoming the visit, Arthur French, Chairman, at Ireland West Airport, said: “It was a tremendous honour for Ireland West Airport to welcome Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana to Mayo on what is a deeply meaningful ancestral visit. The ties between Mayo and Canada are long-standing and heartfelt, and today’s visit is a proud occasion for the airport, the county, and the west of Ireland. Ireland West Airport is proud to serve as a gateway for people returning home, reconnecting with family, and discovering the heritage of this special region. We are delighted that Prime Minister Carney’s journey to Mayo began here at Ireland West Airport.”

The visit also underlined the important role Ireland West Airport plays in connecting the west and northwest of Ireland with the wider world, supporting tourism, business, diaspora links, and regional development.

On Monday, 15th June, Prime Minister Carney concluded his visit to Ireland, departing from Ireland West Airport at lunchtime on Monday to attend the G7 summit in France. Ireland West Airport extends its best wishes to Prime Minister Carney, his family, and the Canadian delegation on their return to Canada.