Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023

Speaking about Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023 in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Hanafin said:

Each year, Seachtain na Gaeilge focuses our attention on the Irish language and events such as those organised here across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, encourage people, regardless of their age or their language ability, to engage with the language in a positive and fun way. I would encourage people to attend some local Irish language events and to use whatever Irish they may have, whether they are líofa (fluent) or have the cúpla focal! Start with simple phrases like ‘Go raibh maith agat’, ‘Dia Dhuit’ and ‘Slán’. Seachtain na Gaeilge is an excellent opportunity for everyone to use more spoken Irish.”

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council commented:

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council delighted to celebrate and support An Ghaeilge within the Council and the County during the Seachtain na Gaeilge festival and I hope you can attend some of the fantastic events planned over the next couple of weeks and make use of whatever Irish you may have. Use the cúpla focal in everyday conversation and show that Irish is a living, everyday language. As a public body, we are committed to the provision of Irish Language services and building on last year's courses, another group of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council staff will commence training for the Certificate in Professional Irish with Gaelchultúr during Seachtain na Gaeilge.”

On Thursday the 2nd March in County Hall, Dún Laoghaire, there will be a Seachtain na Gaeilge event for staff: Lá na Gaeilge (Irish Day), where all staff, regardless of their level of Irish, are encouraged to make use of whatever Irish they have in person and in correspondence. There will be a coffee morning where staff can pop in to the canteen and make use of whatever Irish they have in an informal setting. Cleachtadh a dhéanann máistreacht! Practice makes perfect!

Tuesday 7th March from 1-3PM at the dlr LexIcon Studio sees esteemed Irish language writer, Manchán Magan, host a bilingual event where he discusses some of his works and holds an interactive workshop where participants can learn how to write about the Irish landscape and culture. This event has sold out and we are expecting an excellent afternoon of learning, fun and entertainment.

There are many different Irish language conversation groups across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown who do fantastic work in promoting the language and providing opportunities to everyone to come along and learn some Irish regardless of their level. Be a part of the Ollchiorcal Comhrá (Giant Conversation Circle) on Thursday 9th March at 11AM in Deansgrange Library where we plan to have all the conversation groups come together to meet, learn and network. It doesn’t matter whether you have little or no Irish, come in and have a try. There will be refreshments throughout.

Brush up on your general knowledge and join us in the Eblana Club later that day at 6PM for a free bilingual quiz night as part of SnaG2023. Get a team of 3-4 people and come down for what promises to be an entertaining night where you are guaranteed to pick up a cúpla focal along the way! Questions will be asked in Irish and English and answers will be accepted in either Irish or English. There will be prizes on the night so start revising and get your thinking caps on! Bí linn! RSVP coshea@dlrcoco.ie

*This event is for adults and young adults only*

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to welcome Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of the traditional music of Ireland since its foundation in 1951. Join us in the Studio in the dlr LexIcon for a free bilingual event on Tuesday 14th March from 4PM to listen to local Comhaltas musicians while they play Irish traditional music. After the concert, there will be an interactive session where people can try their hand at playing traditional instruments such as the bodhrán and get a taste of the richness of traditional Irish music. Tickets are selling fast so register now via Eventbrite to avoid disappointment.

To conclude and to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, we are delighted to announce a Pop-Up Gaeltacht in the heart of Dún Laoghaire, upstairs in Walters, from 6PM onwards on Thursday the 16th March. We encourage everyone to come in, have a chat and the craic, it doesn't matter your level of Irish, give it a go! There will also be a raffle on the night. Tar isteach agus bain triail as!

Other events in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown include an evening of music and Irish conversation with the Dublin flute player, Sarah Jane Woods, and the founder of the world-famous Irish band The Chieftains, Michael Tubridy on Tuesday 14th March at 6:30PM. Booking required by emailing Dundrum Library at dundrumlib@dlrcoco.ie or by phoning (01) 298 5000.

Dalkey Library is also hosting a Pictionary activity as Gaeilge for families on Thursday 9th March from 5PM-6PM. Come along, have some fun and learn some Irish.

For full details of Seachtain na Gaeilge events in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown please be sure to follow us on social media and to check out our daily social media content as we celebrate and promote the language and culture.

For further information please contact our Irish Language Development Officer, coshea@DLRCOCO.IE