The Princess Grace Project is a heart-warming creative initiative led by MacBride Nursing Home and dedicated local committee to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Princess Grace of Monaco’s visit to the MacBride Centre in Westport. Designed to engage both residents and the wider community, the project celebrates memory, creativity, and connection through a diverse programme of twelve events.

The committee, made up of residents, staff, and local volunteer, meets regularly to plan and deliver activities that honour Princess Grace’s legacy. These include crafting silk scarves, planting a commemorative flower garden, screening one of her iconic films, and recreating the bespoke scent gifted to her by Prince Rainier. The project also features the writing of a community book filled with personal anecdotes, including stories from staff who were on duty during the visit, the Newport hairdresser who styled the princess's hair, and her time havtea at Newport House.

Other highlights include designing a gown inspired by Princess Grace, staging a play about her grandfather who lived in Newport, commissioning a portrait, framing her signature from the guest book, and creating brooches. An open call has been placed in the Mayo News inviting the public to contribute memories and get involved.

The Princess Grace Project is a celebration of heritage and creativity, offering meaningful engagement for older residents while inviting the broader community to share in the storytelling and festivities

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.