A programme of events around Clare will be promoting the message of “is fearr gaeilge briste ná béarla cliste” this month.
A broad schedule of activities has been announced over the next few weeks to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025.
Although the popular seanfhocail “an rud is annamh is iontach” celebrates the idea of rare things being wonderful, a key of aim of Seachtain na Gaeilge is to move Irish from the fringes and into the mainstream.
Seachtain na Gaeilge events will run in Clare from tomorrow, March 1st, until St Patrick’s Day on March 17th.
The local authority has described the festival as a “vibrant celebration of the Irish language and culture, bringing together communities across County Clare and beyond”.
Among the events being held are a Flowers and Folklore gathering in Ennistymon and Kilrush libraries on March 13th with writer and folklorist Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh.
A board games night will take place in Ciarán’s Bar in Ennis on March 6th while Aran Islands singer-songwriter Padraig Jack will perform at Cultúrlann Sweeney in Kilkee on March 7th.
To cater for younger audiences, Ennis resident and Irish language activist Macdara Ó Conaola will be holding a children’s storytelling event as Geilge in Bunratty Folk Park on March 1st and 2nd throughout the day.
Irish language enthusiast and presenter of Clare FM’s Cúl Chaint, Dónal Ó Loinsigh says regardless of your level of Irish, Seachtain an Gaeilge has something for everyone.
An event taking place in the week leading up to St Patrick’s Day will examine the implications of Clare never being designated as a Gaeltacht.
A panel discussion on the Report of the Comisiún na Gaeltachta 1925 will take place in the Temple Gate Hotel on March 14th.
Clooney native Irish Language Development Officer with Clare County Council, Ruairí Henchy says despite the prevalence of Irish here in the early 20th century, it appears minimal efforts were made to preserve the language.
Listen to the full interview here
