Mayor Martin Walsh will leave for Ireland on Thursday, May 10 for a five-day trip, during which he will receive several ceremonial awards and participate in the unveiling of Kilkerrin Rock.

The son of Irish immigrants from Connemara, Walsh is expected to speak on the ties between Boston and his family’s home country, according to a City of Boston press release, highlighting the importance of cultural richness, acceptance of immigrants, and economic partnerships.

Walsh has traveled to Ireland in the past as mayor, including a 2014 trip where he passed through the southern parts of Connemara where his parents John Walsh and Mary O’Malley were born and raised.

“Ireland and the Irish culture hold a special place in my heart, and are a large part of Boston’s overall identity as well,” said Mayor Walsh. “Our economic and cultural ties to Ireland are undeniable, and it’s beneficial for Boston to continue to embrace, support and learn from other countries and cities. I’m honored that our work in Boston is being acknowledged overseas.”

The mayor’s event schedule, as provided by the press release, follows:

Mayor Walsh Receives the “Freedom Of The City” Award at the Freedom of Galway City Ball - May 11, 2018- The "Freedom of the City" is a ceremonial award, given by a local government to those who have served in an exceptional capacity, or upon any whom the City wishes to bestow an honor. Mayor Walsh will be accepting this award and joining past recipients such as John F. Kennedy, Pope John Paul II, John Hume, Hillary Clinton, Richard Daley, Nelson Mandela, Ms. Garry Hynes, President Michael D Higgins and Senator Billy Lawless.

Mayor Walsh Visits the Emigrant Commemorative Centre - May 12, 2018- Two years after Mayor Walsh helped unveil a stone marker at the site of a planned Emigrant Commemorative Centre in Carna, Co. Galway, the new emigrant center is completed, and the Mayor will be returning to cut the ceremonial ribbon. The Emigrant Commemorative Centre will serve as a monument and a symbolic gathering place for the community and their descendants. The Centre educate visitors on the changing face of the rural Gaeltacht area and Galway’s rich immigrant history.

Mayor Walsh Joins Local Officials for Kilkerrin Rock Dedication and Unveiling - May 13, 2018- Mayor Walsh will join local dignitaries in the presentation and dedication of the Kilkerrin Rock in his honor. The rock has been inscribed with the words, “To all of our brothers and sisters who had to leave their families and homes, some never to return, in search of a better life abroad,” along with the Mayor Walsh’s name, the date, and the Irish and US flags intertwined.

Mayor Walsh to be Named the First Freeman of Galway County - May 14, 2018- Mayor Walsh is being recognized for his achievements and will be named the first ever Freeman of County Galway, proposed by Connemara area Councillor Sean O’ Tuairisg. The title of Freeman is a prestigious honor, ceremonial in name. It is typically bestowed upon visiting dignitaries, celebrities and valued members of the community.