Derry's
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin has announced a program for the annual celebration of Seachtain na Gaeilge.
The festival is a highlight in the Irish language community in Derry, celebrating many musicians, artists, learners, and daily speakers who use the Irish language in their daily lives, arts, and overall existence, here and across the country.
Interest and use of the Irish language have grown in the city in recent years.
There are now three primary schools, four preschools, a post-primary school, and the Cultúrlann in Derry.
According to Siubhán Nic Amhlaoibh, director of Cultúrlann, the revival of the Irish language in the city and surrounding rural areas is a direct result of concerted efforts to foster love for the language and culture among its people.
She added: "This did not happen overnight but is the result of fundraising, education, and advocacy, and we are now witnessing the intergenerational development of bilingualism in our city.
Seachtain na Gaeilge 2024 Programme
Located in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Derry from March 1 to17, the programme includes various events for fluent Irish speakers and those wanting to learn a few words during the festival itself, and everyone in between.
To kick off the festival this year,
Raidió na Gaeltachta will present a special edition of the "Bladhaire" program, an entertainment show produced by Áine Ní Bhreisleáin, focusing on the stories and highlights of “saol na Gaeilge”, Irish language life in Derry.
The festival will continue with a weekend full of films, family-friendly activities on Saturday and Sunday mornings (March 2 and 3) and special Irish-language films in the evenings for both learners and fluent speakers.
In Your Space Circus will offer a circus skills workshop with the help of a Irish speaking circus artist, and yoga lovers will be able to try their hand at bilingual yoga with teacher Sara.
For those with fast feet,
Park Run Abú! (the Irish version of parkrun) will take place again this year.
On International Women's Day (March 8th), Diane Cannon will lead a special concert with a group of musicians from Scotland and Ireland, describing the stories of women in traditional Irish and Scottish music, stories that are sometimes lost in today's world.
And on World Book Day, Máire Zepf, an Irish-language writer for young people, will host school workshops, welcoming local children from primary schools in the city.
For those who want to use the week to improve their Irish, a weekend immersion course will be available on March 9 and 10, with high-quality teachers teaching Irish in the Cultúrlann classrooms.
People can showcase their own talent in music or poetry at a fireside session with local poet Dubhán Ó Longáin on Saturday night, March 9.
Siubhán Nic Amhlaoibh emphasised the mix of events for families, children, learners, and those interested in music and the arts.
She said: "We are very grateful for the support from Foras na Gaeilge and
Conradh na Gaeilge’s Ciste Spreagtha, which allows us to organise these special events. We are ready to celebrate the passion, talent, and love for the Irish language in the city and throughout the Northwest across two weeks, showcasing the breadth of talent in the city."
Keep updated on the festival through social media @culturlanndoire on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at
eolas@culturlann.org or call +44 028 7126 4132.
